The Italian foreign ministry is monitoring the situation in Gabon after military officers announced a coup following recent elections.

“The Foreign Ministry, together with the crisis unit and the Italian embassy in Libreville, is following the evolution of the situation,” said Tajani in a video message.

“The more than 150 Italians living in Gabon are safe, we urge them all to exercise extreme caution and to stay at home,” he added.

“Today and tomorrow the situation in Gabon and the rest of Africa will be discussed at the meeting of EU foreign ministers,” said Tajani, referring to the informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers in Toledo, Spain, on August 30-31.

Earlier in the day, Tajani said Italy was working to bring about diplomatic solutions to the crisis in Gabon and to the one in Niger following another recent coup there.

ANSA