Gabon: Independent TV channels attacked

The headquarters of two television channels have been attacked as post electoral protests continue in Gabon.

Nazareth Radio television and Télé Plus can no longer broadcast in Libreville following the attacks. The National Union newspaper which frequently writes favourable reports on government activities has not been able to publish since Wednesday after it was burnt down.

“They attack our channel because we speak the truth and broadcast the truth. We think that those who attacked us never wanted real results to be made public,” Georges Bruno Ngoussi, pastor and boardchair of Nazareth Radio Television said.

Seven people have died since Gabon’s electoral commission announced Ali Bongo as winner of the presidential election in a tight race. The results are being challenged by runners up Jean Ping.

According to official statistics close to 800 people have been arrested in Libreville while others are declared missing. Gabon’s government communication is also no longer effective and the population now depends on special envoys of foreign media organs for information.