Uneasy calm after Gabon elections

The new president of Gabon has appealed for calm after looting and riots greeted his controversial election. Ali Ben Bongo appeared relaxed at a football match in the capital Libreville, despite growing unrest. Security is tight in the city, after Bongo succeeded his father as president in a vote rivals say was fixed.

Libreville may be calm but the French oil giant Total moved expatriate workers and families from the oil industry hub Port-Gentil after its facilities were attacked. Some opposition critics suspect France of having supported Bongo’s election as Paris has extensive financial interests in Gabon. The French consulate in Port-Gentil was attacked and French paratroopers were deployed to protect the building.More about: Gabon

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