The military in Garbon says it has seized power in oil-rich West African country, where the ailing leader’s family has ruled for 50 years.

Soldiers in the oil-rich West African country say they launched a coup “to restore democracy”.

It was learned that the soldiers took control of the national radio station in the early hours of Monday to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.

According to BBC, tanks and armed vehicles can be seen on the streets of the capital Libreville.

Africa News 24 reports that President Ali Bongo took over power in 2009. He reportedly suffered a stroke in October and received treatment in Morocco.

The Gabonese President sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine.

But soldiers, however, said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”

#Gabon Coup unfolding. The army has taken control of #Libreville pic.twitter.com/WOpTQObL4W

— CGR.NewYork (@CGR_newyork) January 7, 2019