President Bola Tinubu has offered his perspective on the recent coup in Gabon, which resulted in the ousting of President Ali Bongo and his subsequent house arrest. The coup was reportedly driven by concerns over the perceived flaws in the recent general election in the central African country.

Military personnel involved in the coup had criticized the general election of August 26, 2023, for lacking transparency, credibility, and inclusivity. They also expressed worries about the nation’s governance, citing potential chaos arising from a deterioration in social cohesion.

In response to the unfolding events, President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed the President’s sentiments on Wednesday. Ngelale emphasized that President Tinubu is closely observing the growing trend of what he termed “autocratic contention” spreading across different regions of the African continent.

Highlighting President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to democracy and the empowerment of the African people, Ngelale stated, “Power belongs in the hands of Africa’s great people and not in the barrel of a loaded gun.” President Tinubu’s personal experiences, including significant sacrifices in his own life in defense of democracy, inform his strong belief in the importance of upholding the rule of law and constitutional resolutions.

Ngelale further revealed that President Tinubu is actively engaged in discussions and communication with fellow Heads of States within the African Union. These conversations are aimed at establishing a comprehensive consensus on the course of action concerning Gabon’s political landscape and how the continent should address the growing trend of autocracy.

As President Tinubu aligns with other leaders to ensure the stability and democracy in Gabon, his response underscores the crucial role of democratic principles and constitutional adherence in shaping Africa’s future.

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