Gabon: Opposition observes day of 'mourning'

Sympathizers of Gabon’s opposition are observing a day of national mourning requested by opposition leader Jean Ping.

The opposition has called on its supporters to stay at home saying this is intended to show solidarity to those who have died as well as compassion to families in mourning.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba has called on Gabonese to carry out their daily activities as usual.

Gabon’s government says 4 people were killed during the post electoral riots in Gabon, among whom was one police man.

A figure rejected by the opposition which talks about between 50 to 100 people killed.

Jean Ping has called for international investigations and targeted sanctions on those who cracked down on protesters.

The International Criminal Court announced last week that it had begun a preliminary examination into the situation in Gabon at the request of the country’s government.

The Court’s prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she will review available information before taking the decision to open a formal investigation.