PRESS RELEASE : Military takeover of power in Gabon – Minister Mitchell’s statement [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2023.

The UK Minister for Africa condemned the unconstitutional military takeover of power in Gabon and called for the restoration of constitutional government.

Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

The UK condemns the unconstitutional military takeover of power in Gabon and calls for the restoration of constitutional government. We acknowledge concerns raised regarding the recent electoral process, including restrictions on media freedom, and urge all parties and citizens to commit to and follow legal and constitutional processes to resolve any electoral disputes. We continue to monitor the situation in Gabon.

Any British nationals in Gabon who need consular support should contact us on +44 20 7008 5000 and sign up for alerts on our travel advice.