President Ali Bongo of Gabon has been overthrown by the military in the oil-rich country.
According to the BBC, soldiers in the African country said they launched a coup to restore democracy.
They took control of the national radio station in the early hours of Monday to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.
The BBC also reported that tanks and armed vehicles were seen on the streets of the capital Libreville.
Bongo who took over power in 2009 reportedly suffered a stroke in October and was receiving treatment in Morocco.
Mr Bongo sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine.
Soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”
