The United States expresses profound concern regarding developments in the oil-producing West African country of Gabon, where military officers announced on Wednesday that they had taken control, stated John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson.
Kirby reported that all personnel from the U.S. embassy, along with what he referred to as a limited contingent of troops, had been verified as safe, following the Gabonese officers’ announcement of placing President Ali Bongo under house arrest.
“It’s deeply concerning to us. We will remain a supporter of the people in the region, a supporter of the people of Gabon and of their demand for democratic governance,” he told a briefing. “We’re watching this closely.”
Should it prove succesful, the Gabon coup would mark the eighth instance of a coup in West and Central Africa since 2020.
“I think it’s too soon to call this a trend,” said Kirby, adding that the United States would “remain focused on promoting democracy on the continent.”
