On the night of August 31 and into the early hours of September 1, following the announcement of incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s victory in the presidential election, supporters of the opposition candidate clashed with law enforcement in Libreville, the Gabonese capital, and Port-Gentil, Gabon’s second largest city. There are reports of looting, vandalism, arson of government offices, deaths and injuries.

There are no Russians among the victims, according to the Russian Embassy.

The situation in Libreville and its vicinity has stabilised, though more protests against the election outcome can not be ruled out.

We are monitoring the situation, and we call on all political forces in Gabon to show restraint and settle all issues in strict compliance with the law.