As protests, looting and violence continue to rock most parts of Gabon, the country’s main opposition leader, Jean Ping, has declared himself president.
Omar Bongo, who earns at least $65,000 per year, was declared president by the electoral body, prompting opposition supporters to go to the streets. Fierce violence was reported in the country’s capital City and the result, two people were killed.
Jean Ping, who was defeated by a margin of 6,000 votes, has announced he is the president.
“I am the president”, he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Omar Bongo, longest serving African president, has instructed the police to use force, but the opposition indicates they won’t tone down until a recount of votes from all polling stations is conducted.
The opposition believes, under normal circumstances, no single presidential candidate can garner 99.6 % of votes-which Omar Bongo garnered- from his backyard.
Across the country, the unrest has paralysed transportation, with bread and other fresh foods in short supply, the situation further aggravated by widespread looting.