‘Family affair’: Gabon opposition lambasts coup, claims election victory

The political situation in Gabon remains tense as opposition leaders continue to claim victory in the recently held presidential elections, while also denouncing the coup attempt that took place on Monday. Opposition candidate Jean Ping, who claims to have won the elections, called the coup an "uprising" and said it was not a surprise given the "degree of despair" in the country. Ping also accused the ruling party of being behind the coup attempt, claiming that they were trying to "overthrow a legitimately elected president". The opposition has called for a general strike to protest against the government's hold on power.

The coup attempt took place on Monday when a group of soldiers took control of the national radio station, announcing the formation of a "National Restoration Council" to "save Gabon from chaos". The situation was quickly brought under control by the security forces, and the coup plotters were arrested. The government has denounced the coup attempt as a "family affair" and accused the opposition of trying to exploit the situation for political gain.

Despite the coup attempt, the government has maintained that President Ali Bongo Ondimba remains in control and that the situation is under control. The government has also called for dialogue with the opposition to address the political crisis and find a way forward. However, the opposition has rejected these calls, instead demanding that a transitional government be formed and new elections be held.

The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Gabon, and several countries have expressed their concern over the political crisis. The African Union has called for calm and urged all parties to respect the constitutional order. The European Union has also called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As the political crisis continues to unfold, the people of Gabon are facing increasing uncertainty and instability. The coup attempt and the opposition's claims of victory in the elections have only deepened the divisions in the country, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.