Military leaders in Gabon have relaxed the curfew imposed on the country following the overthrow of President Ali Bongo.

The new curfew, announced by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on Wednesday, runs from midnight to 05:00.

Previously, it started between 18:00 and 22:00 depending on the area, and lasted until 06:00.

The new curfew, according to the junta, forms part of efforts to restore economic operations in the country.

Junta leaders say unlike the previously modified curfew which exempted certain areas a few weeks ago, this one is the same across the entire country.

Junta spokesman Col Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi says the reason for this new curfew is to "relieve economic operators in all sectors."

The transition committee also cites activities related to the start of the school year as part of their reasons for the decision.