Gabon Closes Border with Cameroon After Failed Coup

Gabon temporary has closed her borders with Cameroon since Monday, January 7, 2019, following an attempted coup to topple President Ali Bongo.

                The border closure has halted trade and leaving Gabonese unable to return home. Goods and passengers destined for Gabon are stranded in Cameroon’s border town of Kiossi.

                Trucks loaded with plantain, cocoyam, groundnuts, and other vegetables have been along with several hundred commuters in the town of Kiossi, on Cameroon’s southern border with Gabon.

                It should be noted that some soldiers appeared on State television as early Monday 4:00AM, announcing that the military has taken over power to restore democracy.

                Few hours later, the Spokespersons of the Gabonese Government said the Government has regained control and arrested seven soldiers. Government forces killed two other soldiers involved in the coup attempt.

                Meanwhile, Government authorities also cut the internet and imposed a curfew on Gabon’s capital, Libreville. Tanks and armoured vehicles were patrolling the city and airports were shut down.

                President Bongo has been in Morocco since October receiving treatment for a stroke. He acknowledged having health problems in his New Year message to the nation.

                Bongo succeeded his father Omar Bongo as President in 2009 and narrowly won election in a 2016 poll marred by violence and accusations of fraud.

                His family has ruled the oil rich country for over 50 years and has been accused of feeding fat on the country’s natural resources at the peril of two million Gabonese.