Gabon government opens coup investigation

The Gabonese government has opened an investigation into the attempted coup this morning, a spokesman told the BBC.

Guy-Bertrand Mapangou said the investigation aimed "to shed light on the matter because they mentioned some politicians in their statement".

He was referring to a statement that young soldiers broadcast on state radio this morning, urging other soldiers and civilians to rise up against the state.

But Mr Mapangou dismissed the idea that a movement is behind the coup attempt.

"They say they were part of a movement but there was no movement," Mr Mapangou said.

He added that the lieutenant who urged the nation to rise up on the radio is currently on the run and "has no support from anyone in the security forces, even his own company".