France suspends military cooperation with new Gabon regime following coup

This decision comes in response to a recent coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, which ended the Bongo family's 55-year rule in the African nation.

France, which maintains a presence of approximately 400 soldiers in Gabon to train the country's army, has halted their activities until the political situation in the country is clarified.

"At present, their activities have been suspended while awaiting clarification of the political situation," stated Minister Lecornu.

The coup in Gabon occurred just two days after General Brice Oligui Nguema seized power and promised to usher in a more democratic era for the country's institutions.

The coup leaders dissolved the nation's existing institutions, nullified the results of the recent presidential election, and closed the country's borders.

France condemned the coup, expressing its desire to see the results of the election respected. The presidential polls held last Saturday in Gabon were disputed, with the opposition branding the victory of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, 64, as fraudulent.

This development in Gabon adds to a growing list of African countries that have experienced coups in recent years.

Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all witnessed political upheavals and transitions, with new rulers resisting calls for a swift return to civilian rule. (ILKHA)