China on Wednesday called on “relevant parties” in Gabon to ensure “the security” of President Ali Bongo Ondimba following the military coup in that oil-rich Central African country.
“China is closely following the development of the situation in Gabon and calls on the parties concerned to act in the fundamental interests of the Gabonese people,” Chinese diplomatic spokesman Wang Wenbin said during a news conference.
The spokesman called on the various actors to “resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue, ensure an immediate return to normal order and ensure Ali Bongo’s personal safety”.
Mr. Bongo was elected in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who ruled Gabon for more than 41 years.
On Wednesday, the Gabonese authorities had just announced his re-election with 64.27% of the vote when a group of a dozen soldiers appeared on the screens of the Gabon 24 TV channel to announce an “end of the existing regime”.
64-year-old Ali Bongo, whose fate was initially unknown, traveled to Beijing in April.
Chinese President Xi Jinping then called him an “old friend” of China and praised his “significant achievements” in development.