Gabon Post Elections Violence:More than 1,000 people have been arrested

Gabon's interior minister says more than 1,000 people have been arrested since the capital erupted in violence Wednesday, after officials announced the re-election of President Ali Bongo.

Thursday, police patrolled the streets of Libreville, after a night of clashes in which demonstrators set fire to the National Assembly and buildings nearby, and government forces stormed the headquarters of the opposition.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department urged all sides to come together “peacefully” to avoid future unrest, while not ruling out that “appropriate actions” might be considered going forward. 

“We deplore the escalation of violence" following the release of provisional election results by the government, spokesman John Kirby said Thursday. “We call upon the security forces to respect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Gabonese citizens and of all residents of Gabon.”

Meanwhile, a security message was issued Thursday by the U.S. Embassy in Libreville to inform American citizens of “widespread, violent demonstrations, rioting and looting” there, and to ask Americans to remain in safe locations.

“Security forces have responded to the situation with tear gas and have placed roadblocks at major arterial roads, cutting off transportation across the city. There is also debris and burned cars blocking the roads in some areas,” the message said.

At least one fatality

Gabon government officials said at least one person was killed and 19 others were injured when government forces stormed the headquarters of the opposition. Opposition leader Jean Ping said earlier that two had been killed.

VOA