China has called for safety assurance of President Ali Bongo Ondimba following a military coup in the Central African nation.
“China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.
A group of military officers recently announced their intention to overthrow the current regime in Gabon, prompting China to take action in order to prevent any harm coming to President Bongo.
In a statement issued by a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang Wenbin, China urged all parties in Gabon to prioritize the best interests of the nation and its people. Wang emphasized the importance of resolving differences through dialogue and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.
China has also appealed to all parties involved to ensure President Bongo’s personal safety and to uphold national peace and stability. The group of 12 officers who declared their intentions to overthrow the current regime did so after the country’s election body announced President Bongo’s victory in his bid for a third term in office.
The soldiers who made the announcement expressed their concerns over the state of social cohesion in the country, accusing President Bongo’s governance of being irresponsible and unpredictable. They claimed that the continued deterioration of social cohesion could lead the country into chaos, driving them to take action to defend peace by ending the current regime.
As a result of this declaration, the soldiers have closed Gabon’s borders indefinitely and seemingly taken control of the government. In a statement broadcast on the state-run Gabon 24 television channel, one of the soldiers, speaking on behalf of a “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions,” announced the closure of the borders until further notice.
China’s call for the safety of President Bongo reflects its commitment to political stability and diplomatic relations with Gabon. As one of the major global powers, China recognizes the importance of maintaining peace and stability in nations across the world. By advocating for a peaceful resolution and the protection of President Bongo’s safety, China hopes to contribute to the restoration of normalcy in Gabon.
Gabon is the latest country in Africa to experience a military takeover after members of Niger’s military seized power in the West African country late last month.
The political crisis in Gabon is a concerning development for the international community, particularly given the unpredictable nature of the situation. China’s intervention sends a message to all parties involved in the crisis, emphasizing the need for dialogue and non-violent means to resolve their differences.
Moreover, China’s call for the safety of President Bongo highlights the importance it places on bilateral relations with Gabon. China has been actively engaged in economic and trade partnerships with Gabon, and any disruption in the political stability of the country could have adverse effects on these relationships. By expressing its concerns and calling for the safety of President Bongo, China aims to protect its interests in the region and ensure that stability is maintained.
