Gabon - election unrest

Hundreds of Gabonese flee from violence in canoes

Article published on the 2009-09-06 Latest update 2009-09-06 09:05 TU

Gabon's newly elected President Ali Bongo (R) listens to Gabon Prime Minister Paul Boyoghe Mba (L) during the Cameroon - Gabon football match
(Credit: AFP)

Residents of Port Gentil, on the west coast of Gabon, fled in canoes on Sunday after yet another night of violent demonstrations throughout the city. Protesters are angry about Ali Bongo's controversial win as president. Police used teargas late Saturday to disperse looters. People had also set up barricades to prevent the police from patrolling.

Tensions were high as Cameroon defeated Gabon 2-0 in a qualifying football match for the 2010 World Cup. Bongo attended the match and appealed for calm.

He also called on his opponents to bring their grievances to court. "We are a nation of laws and therefore there are institutions in place for those who have complaints," he told RFI.

"Calm must absolutely return to the entire territory," he added.