The situation in Gabon is “under control” following an attempted military coup, a spokesman for the government said.

All five of military who attempted to seize power have been arrested by the authorities.

The junior officers claimed they took part in the coup “to restore democracy” in oil-rich Gabon, where the President’s family has ruled for half-a-century.

“The situation is calm. The gendarmes who are often stationed there have taken control of the entire area around the radio and TV headquarters, so everything is back to normal”, said Guy-Bertrand Mapangou. a government official.

Many experts noticed that the coup took place immediately after the US President Trump sent troops to Libreville to assist American citizens in case of deterioration of the situation in neighboring Congo.

AMENDED: Security forces have been deployed in the capital and will remain there over the coming days in order to maintain order, he said.

The elite Republican Guard was deployed around the presidential building and armored vehicles blocked access to the area.

Reportedly Gabon President Ali Bongo suffered a stroke, and is in treatment in one of Morocco clinics since November last year. There have been no official information notices about the state of his health ever since. The insecurity caused by the secrecy surrounding the whereabouts and condition of the President contributed to the destabilization of the situation.

AMENDMENT:  ‘The EU is closely following the developments regarding the attempted coup d’etat in Gabon. In these critical moments, it is fundamental that all actors refrain from violence and respect the principles of the rule of law and democracy that should allow for the organisation of an open and inclusive national dialogue’ European External Actions Service (EEAS) spokesperson said.