BREAKING: Coup in Gabon as military ‘hijacks power’

The military in oil-rich Gabon is saying it has seized power from the President Ali Bongo-led government in the country.

The BBC reports that soldiers in the African country said they launched a coup to restore democracy.

They took control of the national radio station in the early hours of Monday to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.

The BBC also reported that tanks and armed vehicles were on the streets of the capital Libreville.

President Bongo took over power in 2009.

He reportedly suffered a stroke in October and received treatment in Morocco.

Mr Bongo sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine.

Soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”