Moussa Faki condemns attempted coup, wants President Bongo, family respected

The AU Commission's chair has also emphasized the need for national security forces to give the president, his family and government workers' respect.

"The Chairman of the Commission encourages all political, civil and military actors in Gabon to give priority to peaceful political avenues, and a rapid return to democratic constitutional order in the country."

In a televised announcement, about twelve soldiers cancelled the results of the just concluded election in which the incumbent President Ali Bongo was declared the winner.

According to BBC, Gabon's electoral commission on Saturday said Mr Bongo had won just under two-thirds of the votes in an election the opposition argued was fraudulent.

With the military men taking over, this would bring to an end Bongo and his family's 53-year rule.