Travel ban for Gabon opposition

Libreville, 10 Sept-(ANA)-Gabon has barred opposition leaders from leaving the country following recent riots over claims of fraud in last month's presidential election.

One defeated candidate said he had been prevented from flying to Ivory Coast. A minister said the ban would last while the violence was investigated.

Ali Ben Bongo was declared the winner, sparking violent protests in Port Gentil, an opposition stronghold.

Mr Bongo succeeds his father, Omar, who died in June after 41 years in power.

"Police told me that they had received strict orders not to let opposition leaders travel," Paul Mba Abessole told the AFP news agency.

He said he had not wanted to cause a row, so he left the airport with his bags.

Interior Minister Jean-Francois Ndongou said the violence had been political, so "it is normal that we look into political leaders".

Some 300 have been arrested after the protests, in which shops were looted and the French consulate attacked. (ANA)

FA/ANA/10 September 2009---