/ 4 September 2009

Looting in Gabon city amid new election tensions

Gangs looted stores and petrol stations in Gabon’s second city of Port Gentil early on Friday, amid new unrest after Ali Bongo was declared winner of the country’s presidential election, Agence France-Presse journalists said.

More than 50 people were detained during the night, police said.

Few cars ventured on to the streets of Port Gentil, an opposition stronghold, on Friday.

On Thursday, after Bongo’s disputed victory was declared, protesters torched the French consulate in Port Gentil and French troops were brought in to protect the building. — Sapa-AFP