The Portuguese government has called for the rapid restoration of normal life and constitutional order in Gabon, claiming that it has been following “the situation in the country”, where a military coup has been taking place since this morning.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Portuguese Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe, within whose jurisdiction Gabon is located, is monitoring the situation in the country and has made contact with some citizens who are “there. Resident,” the government announced in a statement issued by the Palacio das Necessidades (Palace of Necessities – Home of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in Lisbon. “We discourage travel to Gabon, and also urge residents of the country to maintain a vigilant attitude and return home, as can be read in travel advice on the MN Communities portal,” the statement continued. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “about 50 Portuguese citizens have been registered at this consular post and no request for assistance in leaving the country has been received so far.” Gabon has been facing a military coup since the results of the elections held last Saturday, according to which President Ali Bongo Ondimba will remain in power, continuing 55 years of his family’s rule, Lusa writes.
