Military in Gabon seizes state radio, announces establishing national council

LIBREVILLE - Military officers in Gabon on early Monday morning seized the African country's state radio station and announced establishing a national council, local media reported.

A statement was read on radio to criticize President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is now hospitalized in Morocco's capital Rabat in recovery from a stroke.

It is reported that the statement said the military was disappointed with the New Year address made by Bongo on Dec 31, which it said showed the ailing president's strong attempt to remain in power.

Bongo has been president of the coastal country in Central Africa since 2009. He was re-elected in 2016.

It is reported the officers arrived at the state radio office around 4 am local time (0300 GMT).