Blow To West As Another African Ally Falls; Gabon Gets New Leader, People Celebrate | Watch

Mutinous soldiers in Gabon proclaimed their republican guard chief as the country’s leader Wednesday after placing the just-re-elected President Ali Bongo Ondimba under house arrest. The coup leaders said in an announcement on Gabon’s state TV that Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema had been “unanimously” designated president of a transitional committee to lead the country. Bongo has been accused of betrayal and massive embezzlement during his long-time rule over the oil-rich Central African nation. In a video from detention in his residence, Bongo called on people to “make noise” to support him. But the crowds who took to the streets of the capital instead celebrated the coup. Watch.