"Gabon's Coup: Western Powers Condemn, Africa's Instability Concerns"

A group of senior military officers in Gabon seized power following the announcement of President Ali Bongo's third term win, prompting condemnation from Western powers including the United States, the UK, and France. The military junta declared a curfew and extended it indefinitely. President Bongo appeared in a video claiming to be under house arrest, while his wife and son were held separately. The coup triggered a drop in Gabon's dollar bonds and raised funding concerns for the region. The international community, including the EU and UN, called for restraint and the preservation of civilian rule.