Gabon police charge at protesters

Security forces in Gabon have charged at demonstrators gathering in the capital, Libreville.

The incident came in the lead-up to presidential elections in the country.
Hundreds including 15 opposition leaders defied a heavy police presence and took to the streets in protest of President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s candidacy

Among many calls, they are opposing the candidature of President Bongo for the August 27 election.

The calls has generated widespread tension in the country.

Opposition parties say Bongo has done little to improve the fortunes of Gabon, adding he does not also meet the criteria of nationality required to be elected as head of State.

Gabon’s National Electoral Commission thinks otherwise. On July 18, it validated the candidature of president Bongo and 13 others vying for the presidency.

The UN has urged all political stakeholders to exercise restraint, and abstain from any inflammatory statements in the interest of peace.