This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/8237912.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Looting in Gabon despite curfew Looting in Gabon despite curfew
(about 5 hours later)
There was looting overnight in Gabon's second city despite a night-time curfew imposed after the election as president of the ruling party's Ali Ben Bongo.There was looting overnight in Gabon's second city despite a night-time curfew imposed after the election as president of the ruling party's Ali Ben Bongo.
Reporters say Port Gentil's main market was also set alight, but government and French buildings were not targeted.Reporters say Port Gentil's main market was also set alight, but government and French buildings were not targeted.
Before the curfew, opposition supporters had set fire to the French consulate in the city, accusing France of helping to rig the election.Before the curfew, opposition supporters had set fire to the French consulate in the city, accusing France of helping to rig the election.
The poll came after the death of Ali's father, who had ruled for 41 years.The poll came after the death of Ali's father, who had ruled for 41 years.
All the petrol stations were smashed Alex MaariFrenchman living in Port Gentil Eyewitness: 'Security forces all around'
Under Omar Bongo, Gabon retained close ties to the former colonial power.Under Omar Bongo, Gabon retained close ties to the former colonial power.
The AFP news agency reports that 50 people were arrested on Thursday night during the unrest.The AFP news agency reports that 50 people were arrested on Thursday night during the unrest.
After the results were declared on Thursday, opposition groups clashed with security forces in the capital, Libreville.After the results were declared on Thursday, opposition groups clashed with security forces in the capital, Libreville.
ALI BEN BONGO Born in 1959 in Brazzaville, his mother is Gabonese singer and musician Patience DabanyStudied at Sorbonne in Paris before entering politics in 1981Became foreign affairs minister in 1989 - forced to quit in 1991 because he was too youngOrganised pop-star Michael Jackson's visit to Gabon in 1992Served as defence minister 1999-2009 Source: Ali Ben Bongo's website Bongo dynasty continues
Inmates were freed from jail and installations belonging to the French oil company, Total, were attacked in Port Gentil.Inmates were freed from jail and installations belonging to the French oil company, Total, were attacked in Port Gentil.
France has about 1,000 troops in the country and has advised its 10,000 citizens to stay inside. ALI BEN BONGO Born in 1959 in Brazzaville, his mother is Gabonese singer and musician Patience DabanyStudied at Sorbonne in Paris before entering politics in 1981Became foreign affairs minister in 1989 - forced to quit in 1991 because he was too youngOrganised pop-star Michael Jackson's visit to Gabon in 1992Served as defence minister 1999-2009 Source: Ali Ben Bongo's website class="" href="/2/hi/africa/8238860.stm">Ali Bongo: Like father, like son? class="" href="/2/hi/africa/8226988.stm">Bongo dynasty continues
France has about 1,000 troops in the country and has advised its 10,000 citizens to stay indoors.
The BBC's Linel Kwatsi in Libreville says the situation in both cities is now calm.The BBC's Linel Kwatsi in Libreville says the situation in both cities is now calm.
Amid the unrest, Ali Ben Bongo pledged to be a uniting force for the oil-rich nation.Amid the unrest, Ali Ben Bongo pledged to be a uniting force for the oil-rich nation.
He was widely tipped to succeed his father, who died in June.He was widely tipped to succeed his father, who died in June.
One of the world's richest men, the late president owned a string of properties in France and was an unflinching ally of Paris.One of the world's richest men, the late president owned a string of properties in France and was an unflinching ally of Paris.
At the time of his death, French courts were investigating Mr Bongo for corruption - allegations he denied.At the time of his death, French courts were investigating Mr Bongo for corruption - allegations he denied.
Gabon is sub-Saharan Africa's fourth biggest oil producer and Africa's second biggest wood exporter, although most of its 1.4 million people live in poverty.Gabon is sub-Saharan Africa's fourth biggest oil producer and Africa's second biggest wood exporter, although most of its 1.4 million people live in poverty.
Are you in Gabon? Have you witnessed any of the violence? If you are willing to speak to the BBC about your experiences, please send us your details using the postform below.Are you in Gabon? Have you witnessed any of the violence? If you are willing to speak to the BBC about your experiences, please send us your details using the postform below.
You can also send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text it to +44 7725 100 100.You can also send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text it to +44 7725 100 100.
Please do not take any unnecessary risks that could endanger your own life or others.Please do not take any unnecessary risks that could endanger your own life or others.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions