GABON: Junta lifts curfew over a year after coup

Gabon’s ruling junta Wednesday lifted a curfew that had been in force since it seized power in an August 2023 coup, to allow for holiday celebrations, an official statement said.

The central African country’s military rulers removed “until further notice” a strict overnight curfew imposed by the Bongo dynasty, which they ousted after 55 years in power.

Police at the weekend had arrested dozens of young protesters in Libreville for breaching the curfew, with some claiming they had their heads shaved by the authorities as punishment.

“The defence and security forces are being asked to ensure order and security in accordance with the rule of law,” the junta said in a decree read on national television.

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The decision comes three days after a “crackdown operation” by police that was heavily criticised on social media.