Egypt concerned about Gabon developments, urges parties to uphold national interests

CAIRO – 30 August 2023: Egypt has expressed concerns pf the consecutive developments in Gabon after a group of military officers announced taking power and placing President Ali Bongo under arrest.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for all parties in Gabon to uphold national interests in order to preserve their countries’ security, stability and safety.

Also, the ministry called for the Egyptian community in Gabon to exercise the utmost caution, avoid areas of security tension and continue communication with the Egyptian embassy to ensure their safety.

Egypt looks forward for the restoration of stability in Gabon as soon as possible and the preservation of the safety of the brotherly Gabonese people.

Earlier on Wednesday, a group of soldiers appeared on TV to announce cancelling the results of the Gabonese elections, taking power and dissolving state institutions in the Central African country.

The military takeover has triggered many countries’ concerns, including Russia, China and France with military takeovers rising in Africa over the past couple of years.

The overthrow would put an end to the tenure of Bongo, who has been in power for 14 years.