Gabon: anti-government protests ahead of independence day

16/08/12 23:44 CET

world news

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Gabon’s administration has praised the “measured reaction” of police after clashes with anti-government protesters two days before the country celebrates its independence.

Supporters of the dissolved opposition National Union party took to the streets of the capital Libreville on Wednesday, following the return of party leader Andre Mba Obame.

Protesting election results from the 2009 ballot, and claiming to be the rightful president, Obame had been living in France, before returning last Saturday.

The Interior Ministry denied reports that two people had been killed in the violence.

Ali Bongo Ondimba became president of the west African country in 2009, after his father Omar held power for 42 years.

More about: Clashes and riots, Gabon, Protest, Victims

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