The military in oil-rich Gabon is saying it has seized power from the President Ali Bongo-led government in the country.
The BBC reports that soldiers in the west African country said they launched a coup to restore democracy.
They took control of the national radio station in the early hours of Monday to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.
The BBC also reported that tanks and armed vehicles were on the streets of the capital Libreville.
President Bongo took over power in 2009.
He reportedly suffered a stroke in October and received treatment in Morocco.
Mr Bongo sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine.
Soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”