The United States and and European Union have expressed worries over the unfolding situation in Gabon.
Describing the development in Gabon as concerning, the US Government said it would continue to monitor the situation closely.
“It’s deeply concerning. We are going to watch this closely, and we’re going to continue to do everything we can to support the idea of democratic ideals that are expressed by the African people,” said White House national security spokesman, John Kirby.
The EU warned against instability in Africa, insisting that coups are a big issue on the continent.
The EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, disclosed that the EU defence ministers will discuss the situation in Gabon.
Borrell added that if a coup is confirmed in Gabon, it would incite more instability in the region.
Speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Toledo, Borrell said, “If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region.
“The whole area, starting with Central African Republic, then Mali, then Burkina Faso, now Niger, maybe Gabon, it’s in a very difficult situation and certainly the ministers have to have a deep thought on what is going on there and how we can improve our policy in respect to these countries. This is a big issue for Europe,” Reuters quoted him as saying.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the takeover in Gabon, his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said.
He said Guterres “firmly condemns the ongoing coup attempt as a means to resolve the post-electoral crisis” and reaffirms “his strong opposition to military coups.’’
He further called on all involved to exercise restraint, engage in an inclusive and meaningful dialogue, and ensure that the rule of law and human rights are fully respected.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, observed that the situation was “deeply concerning.”
“The Commonwealth Charter is clear that member states must uphold the rule of law and the principles of democracy at all times,” Scotland said.
French government spokesman, Olivier Veran, said Paris condemned the coup in Gabon and wants the election result to be respected.
Earlier, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said France was following events in Gabon “with the greatest attention.”
Paris maintains a military presence in many of its former colonial territories, including Gabon, where it has 370 soldiers permanently deployed, some in the capital, Libreville, according to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces website.
The head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Mahamat, equally condemned the coup and called on security forces to peacefully return to “democratic constitutional order.”
Also, Russia has expressed concern about the situation in the oil-rich country.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, stated, “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.”
In its reaction, Spain noted it would evaluate peacekeeping missions in Africa after coups in Niger and Gabon, acting Defence Minister Margarita Robles said at a European Union defence ministers’ meeting in Toledo.
Spain has about 140 troops stationed to the northeast of Mali’s capital, Bamako, as part of the EU’s training mission there.
Hours after he was toppled, the ex-Gabonese president, who is under house arrest, called for help, urging citizens and his friends to ‘make noise.’