LEAD: Military coup under way to oust Gabonese Ali Bongo

Libreville, Gabon (PANA) - A military coup is underway on Monday to oust Gabonese President Ali Bongo, who has been in Morocco recuperating from a stroke, according to international media reports.

Soldiers announced the takeover of power on national radio at dawn on Monday and said they have established a National Restoration Council.

Ali Bongo succeeded his late father Omar Bongo in 2009 and won a violence-marred reelection in 2016. The Bongo family has ruled for the oil rich central African country for 50 years.

Tanks and armed vehicles are said to be on the streets of Libreville.
-0- PANA MA 7Jan2019