Coup in Gabon: liveblog closed
Since the evening of August 29, the Gabon army has seized power. On this page you can find news and updates on the situation in Gabon from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read the current travel advisory for Gabon (in Dutch).
This is a translation of the Dutch-language article. The Dutch text takes precedence.
Liveblog closed
Update 31 August, 13:07
This liveblog is now closed. The ministry of Foreign Affairs has not received any requests for help from Dutch nationals in Gabon. The Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation. Dutch nationals in Gabon who need help can reach the contact center of the Netherlands Worldwide 24/7 by calling +31 247 247 247.
Any further updates will be published on the regular channels of the ministry of Foreign Affairs. Updates can be found on government.nl, netherlandsworldwide.nl or via our social channels:
- Twitter: @DutchMFA
- Instagram: @minbz
- Linkedin: @ministeriebz
Travel advisory for Gabon changed to red
Update 30 August, 13:40
The travel advisory for Gabon has been changed from yellow to red. Do not travel to Gabon. There is a heightened risk of violence throughout the country. Gabon’s borders and airspace are closed. There is also a curfew in place. Read the current travel advisory on Nederland Wereldwijd.
What to do if you are currently in Gabon
- Do not go outdoors; stay in a safe location at home or in your hotel.
- Avoid demonstrations – they could turn violent.
- Follow the local news to stay up to date on the security situation.
- Follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities.
- Let your family/friends know how you are doing.
- If you need help, contact your travel insurance company or the Dutch embassy in Cotonou, Benin.
- Register for free with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service.
Foreign Affairs in contact with Dutch nationals in Gabon
Update 30 August, 11:30
Dutch nationals who are registered via the Foreign Affairs Information Service receive notifications of changes in the security situation via the travel advice and/or the Information Service. At the time of writing, we have not received any requests for help from Dutch nationals in Gabon. At this time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not know exactly how many Dutch nationals are in the country. There is no registration requirement for Dutch nationals abroad. Therefore, it is important for Dutch nationals in Gabon to register with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service (in Dutch).
| Registering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service If you are currently in Gabon, register with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service. Select ‘Aanmelden + registratie bij ambassade’. This will help you stay up to date on the latest developments. It also lets the Ministry of Foreign Affairs know that you are in the country. Make sure to deregister if you leave the country. |
Message from foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra for Dutch nationals in Gabon
Update 30 August, 10:31
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra: ‘The news reports about a possible coup in Gabon are deeply concerning. We are in close contact with the coordinating embassy in Benin. I urge all Dutch nationals in Gabon to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service if possible. This allows the embassy to reach Dutch nationals as quickly as possible with up-to-date information. We are actively preparing for all possible scenarios. See the latest travel advisory for Gabon.’
Read this message (in Dutch) on X/Twitter.
Minister Hoekstra on the situation in Gabon
Update 30 August, 10:30
Read this message on X (Twitter).
Contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Update 30 August, 09:00
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation closely. Dutch nationals in Gabon can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contact centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone +31 247 247 247, or send a message via WhatsApp (+31 6 8238 7796) or X/Twitter (@247BZ).
Message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Update 30 August, 08:03
Reports are emerging of a coup in Gabon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation closely. If you are in Gabon, let your family/friends know how you are doing. Always follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities.
If you are in Gabon on an organised trip, stay in contact with your travel company. If you need help, contact your travel insurance company or the Dutch embassy [in Cotonou, Benin] at +31 247 247 247, or through X/Twitter @247BZ.