Soldiers in Gabon have appealed for "peace and serenity" as they declared their assumption of power during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Their action followed the country's electoral body's announcement of President Ali Bongo's victory for a third term after his 14-year rule.

The electoral commission reported that Mr. Bongo's victory in the election, which the opposition claimed was marred by fraud, constituted just under two-thirds of the total votes.

But speaking on national television, the soldiers said that their decision to take over was motivated by the goal of upholding peace by bringing an end to the existing regime.

They highlighted that the elections had fallen short of meeting the expectations of the Gabonese population for a ballot characterised by transparency, credibility, and inclusivity.

In light of the military intervention in Gabon, there is a mixed reaction on social media platform X (Twitter), with certain users endorsing the coup while others held opposing views.

The military action in Gabon is a democratic military action. Long live to the new Gabon

— Tonye Barcanista (@TonyeBarcanista) August 30, 2023

https://twitter.com/Asamoh_/status/1696813943539269916?s=20

https://twitter.com/kwekubills/status/1696781168069181766?s=20

Another coup in Gabon.
God protect Ghana

— code micky (@code_micky) August 30, 2023

When we start seeing the masses celebrating a successful military coup, it's a sign that democracy has failed them.
Hope we are taking notes. May Nigeria succeed! May we not get to that point in our political journey. We must get it right!#AllEyesOnTheJudiciary#Gabon on my mind

— Uba Nkpozi (@ubankpozi) August 30, 2023

https://twitter.com/mango_parkgram/status/1696784845257482584?s=20

Too many coups we can't keep track anymore. Why is France not threatening the coup plotters in Gabon. At this pace, any west African leader thinking of sending his army to Niger should be scared.

— Gichuki Muriithi (@benmurii) August 30, 2023

https://twitter.com/LawrenceOkoroPG/status/1696805943483179508?s=20

There must be an age limit to the presidency in Africa if we really want to see growth and development on our soil. the older they become they burden they become with their selfish interest. ECOWAS. Gabon. Ali Bongo. Burkina Faso. Uganda. AFRICA WILL BE GREAT AGAIN ✊✊ pic.twitter.com/acLo1kPzeg

— S.A 🇿🇦® (@kwekubills) August 30, 2023

The military coup in Gabon was caused by the facade of democracy.
Gabon has been ruled by a Father and Son since they had democracy in that country.

President Omar Bongo the former president had 70 bank accounts, 39 apartments, 2 Ferraris, 6 Mercedes Benz cars, 3 Porsches and a… pic.twitter.com/ag5rtMs7sI

— SERAH IBRAHIM (@TheSerahIbrahim) August 30, 2023

#Gabon
The joy of freedom 😅.
Gabonese in the streets showing love and support for our armed forces. pic.twitter.com/Bigah9LXoK

— Elle Vit Belle (She/Her) (@ElvineBelinda) August 30, 2023

Paul Biya has been leading Cameroon 🇨🇲for 40 years. he went to France to celebrate his 40 years in power.

Coup in Gabon deposing Omar Ali Bongo is giving Cameroonians and Africa lots of hope.

Next in line is the ancestor Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his son~Vice President… pic.twitter.com/3V0HlIHyMV

— Eng. Nyasikera (@Arap_Nyasikera) August 30, 2023