A military coup has taken place in Gabon. The long-standing president, Ali Bongo, who had just been re-elected, is facing a challenge from the military forces. They have seized control of the government headquarters and declared the dissolution of power institutions, nullifying the recent election results.

The coup in Gabon has serious repercussions for the wider Africa and Western world order.

Gabon, if it falls under Russian influence, will become a staging point for Russia to supply rebels and separatists in Cameroon and Nigeria, Gabon is also a main access point to the Central African republic, a country with Russian presence.