Gabon Coup: China Calls For Safety Of President Bongo, Says It's Monitoring Developments

The Chinese foreign minister, however, appealed to all parties to "guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability."

The Peoples Republic of China has called on the relevant parties in Gabon to resolve their differences through dialogue, restore normal order as soon as possible, and ensure the personal safety of Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the appeal during a press conference on Wednesday, according to Indian outlet, Wion News.

"China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon," Wenbin said, adding that, "We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible."

The Chinese foreign minister, however, appealed to all parties to "guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability."

Wion reports that Bongo, who visited Beijing in the month of April this year, was greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as an "old friend".

Xi also hailed Bongo's "significant achievements" in development.

Bongo, in turn, thanked China for its "valuable assistance in promoting Gabon's economic diversification and industrialisation," a readout from state news agency Xinhua said.

Five Nigerian Stowaways Trying To Flee Country Over Hardship Arrested In Lagos

The Nigerian Navy has arrested five persons who hid on a vessel, while trying to flee from what they described as “the hash economic reality” in Nigeria.

The stowaways who were arrested onboard the vessel, MRC NARTHA, were identified as

Efiong Okon (44), Ayewuni Daniel (27), Ajagboma Asiko (29), Adebanjo Ayewumi (23) and Christian Joseph (25).

They were arrested by naval officers from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT at the Lagos anchorage on August 26, 2023.

According to Daily Trust, the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, who confirmed the arrest, said the five stowaways were evacuated from the vessel by a naval patrol team deployed to provide security at the Lagos anchorage.

Commodore Oguntuga said the operation was carried out at about 11.50 pm on August 26, 2023, following a tip-off.

“Their arrest took place within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage, while they were attempting to clandestinely exit the country via the vessel.

“Found in their possession are three mobile phones, personal effects and cash sum of N7,900. These confiscated items are now under official custody as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

“The NNS BEECROFT patrol team’s swift and efficient response underscore the Navy’s dedication under the watch of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, towards maintaining the security and integrity of the country’s maritime borders,” he added.

Commodore Oguntuga said the apprehended stowaways were under the custody of the navy, insisting that the Nigerian Navy was cooperating with relevant authorities to prosecute the suspects.