The soldiers, identifying themselves as "The Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions," condemned Bongo for holding what they deemed a fraudulent election on August 26 and claimed they were compelled to address Gabon's "serious institutional, political, economic, and social crisis" by placing Bongo under house arrest and putting the nation "on the road to happiness."

"Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos," the soldiers said in their televised statement, according to a translation from the original French published by Nigeria's Daily Trust. "Today, 30 August 2023, we … on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions' protection — have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime."