Africom head defends military exercise in Gabon

The head of the US Africa command defended holding a joint military exercise in Gabon, which has been rocked by protests in the wake of a disputed election in early September. General William Ward denied that it was inappropriate for the US military to hold the Africa Endeavor exercise in the West African nation, where riots broke out after an election to replace late president Omar Bongo. "Those African nations who participate determine where various pieces of it will be hosted," Ward said of the exercise, which brings together military personnel from more than 25 nations. Violence broke out in Gabon on September 3, when Ali Bongo was named the winner of an election to succeed his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who ruled the country for 41 years before his death in June. Opposition leaders say up to 22 people have been killed in demonstrations and opposition presidential candidate Andre Mba Obame has alleged "massive fraud" in the August 30 vote, and told AFP he fears assassination.