Minister says government in control and plotters detained by elite force after takeover attempt by Patriotic Movement.

Soldiers in Gabon have attempted a coup, announcing the establishment of a "restoration council" after taking over the national radio station.

But the communications minister later on Monday announced most of the renegade military officers had been arrested and the situation was under control. There were still reports of shots being fired in the capital, Libreville.

Reading out a statement, the officers condemned President Ali Bongo who addressed his compatriots last week from Morocco for the first time since reportedly suffering a stroke in October.

A New Year address by Bongo "reinforced doubts about the presidents ability to continue to carry out of the responsibilities of his office", said Lieutenant Kelly Ondo Obiang, leader of the self-declared Patriotic Movement of the Defence and Security Forces of Gabon.

"Once again, one time too many, the wielders of power deceptively continue to instrumentalise the person of Ali Bongo Ondimba, a patient devoid of many of his physical and mental faculties," said Ondo Obiang.



Gunfire in the capital
Gunfire was heard around state television offices in the centre of the capital at about 6:30am (05:30 GMT), and military vehicles blocked access to the site.

Most of Libreville remained calm later in the day but there was a strong police and military presence on the streets and helicopters circled overhead.

A crowd of about 300 people had gathered at the radio station in support of the attempted coup, but soldiers fired tear gas to disperse them.

Source: imblog.com.ng

Bongo, 59, is said to have suffered a stroke on October 24 while visiting Saudi Arabia and has since been treated in Morocco. His family has ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for nearly half a century.

The president posted a video message recorded in Rabat and distributed via social and traditional media last Monday in which he admitted he had been "through a difficult period".

But he added: "Today, as you can see, I am preparing to meet you again soon."

Read more: http://www.imblog.com.ng/viewpop.php?%20suk=277

Source: imblog.com.ng

Africa God forbid