Coup: Russia Expresses Concern About Situation In Gabon

Russia on Wednesday expressed concern about the situation in Gabon, hours after the military took over power.

Naija News had earlier reported that military officers in the early hours of Wednesday seized power from President Bongo.

The coup leaders in a statement read on national TV also announced that President Bongo has been placed under house arrest, while one of his sons has been arrested for treason.

The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, while addressing newsmen, said, “Moscow has received with concern reports of a sharp deterioration in the internal situation in the friendly African country. We continue to closely monitor the development of the situation and hope for its speedy stabilisation.”

Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was closely following the situation.

Russia is looking to build up diplomatic and trade ties with Africa, and President Vladimir Putin hosted African leaders for a summit last month.

France Reacts To Military Coup In Gabon

France on Wednesday reacted to the military coup in Gabon, which saw democratically elected President, Bongo removed from power.

According to Al-Jazeera, the Prime Minister of France, Elisabeth Borne, while reacting to the coup on Wednesday, said France is following the events in Gabon with the greatest attention.