5 Soldiers Arrested In Failed Coup Attempt

The Gabonese government says the situation is under control after a failed coup attempt by a group of junior officers, reports BBC News. 

On Monday morning, five officers took over the national broadcasting service and called on the people to "restore democracy" and oust President Ali Bongo.

Calling themselves the National Restoration Council, the soldiers encouraged citizens and soldiers to join the uprising. 

All five of the soldiers have been apprehended, officials said.

Military personnel, civil society and opposition leader mentioned in the rebel statement as possible supporters would be investigated, said a government spokesman. 

Tanks and armored vehicles were reportedly deployed in the capital, Libreville, in the wake of the attempt. 

Bongo succeeded his father, Omar, in 2009. He has made few public appearances in recent months and is believed to have suffered a stroke in October. He is currently receiving treatment in Morocco. 

He was re-elected in 2016 in voting that was widely considered to have been rigged, noted Bloomberg News.

The army is generally considered loyal to the Bongo family. It is dominated by the Presidential Guard, whose members are recruited from the Bongos' home region.