Clashes leave two more dead in crisis-hit Gabon

Two people died early today following overnight clashes in Gabon, witnesses said, raising to five the number killed in violence that erupted after President Ali Bongo was declared victor of a disputed election.

In the 48 hours since the results were announced huge crowds of angry supporters, some of whom torched the parliament, have taken to the streets.

Bongo's government launched a fierce crackdown, with security forces arresting around a thousand people.

The post-vote violence in this small but oil-rich central African nation has sparked international concern, with top diplomats calling for restraint as rights groups raised the alarm over the use of "excessive force".
 

Bongo was declared victorious by a razor-thin margin of just under 6,000 votes, but his main challenger, Jean Ping, a veteran diplomat and former top African Union official, insisted the vote was rigged.

Protestors clashed with security forces again in the capital Libreville on yesterday night in violence which left two protesters critically wounded, both of whom died early today.

Bekam Ella Edzang, 27, died after being shot in the stomach "by the Republican Guard, who were firing tear gas and live bullets," a childhood friend called Geraud told AFP.

The second victim was identified as 28-year-old Axel Messa, whose mother told AFP he had been shot outside his home.

"They found my son outside his front door in the street. A black car pulled up. They lowered the window - there were two of them - and they fired twice," she said.

Across the country, the unrest has paralysed transportation, with bread and other fresh foods in short supply, the situation further aggravated by widespread looting.

"We could hear shots all night. Petrol stations are closed and guarded by troops," said Nicolas, a carpenter who lives on the outskirts of Libreville.

"There are soldiers on guard outside one of the bakeries so we can get a bit of bread."

Since Wednesday evening, many towns have been gripped by unrest, notably in the country's north, close to the border with Cameroon where the situation is "particularly tense", a security source told AFP.