30 August 2023 1 Min Read
Russia concerned about Gabon coup
Moscow will monitor the situation in what it regards as a friendly African country
People celebrate in support of the putschists in a street of Port-Gentil, Gabon August 30, 2023 Picture: REUTERS/Stringer
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Russia said on Wednesday it is worried about the situation in Gabon after a coup by army officers there.
“Moscow has received with concern reports of a sharp deterioration in the internal situation in the friendly African country. We continue to closely monitor the development of the situation and hope for its speedy stabilisation,” foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told reporters.
Russia is looking to build up diplomatic and trade ties with Africa, and President Vladimir Putin hosted African leaders for a summit in July. Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, whose leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last week, is also active in several African countries.
Reuters