Gabonese military stages coup, places president under house arrest

Military leaders in Gabon on Wednesday declared a coup against President Ali Bongo, who had just secured a third term in office.

Officials claiming to represent the military announced that they had placed Bongo on house arrest, Reuters reported. They further declared the borders closed, cancelled the nation's elections, and dissolved state institutions.

General Brice Oligui Nguema has been appointed to lead the transition to a new government.

It remains unclear whether the military enjoys popular support, though footage has appeared online showing Gabonese people celebrating in the streets following the announcement.

Bongo has asked his supporters to "make noise" and solicited international assistance. In a video address, apparently filmed from his home, he stated "I do not know what is going on."

The coup in Gabon follows a similar military action in Niger that has seen the new government break sharply with western powers, including France and the United States. Neighboring nations belonging to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have threatened military action to restore the ousted government to power.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.