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STORY: Military officers say they've seized power in Gabon...

and put its president, Ali Bongo, under house arrest.

If successful, Gabon’s coup would be the eighth in west and central Africa since 2020…

And would end the Bongo family’s nearly six-decade-long grip on power.

But what do we know about Gabonese President Ali Bongo?

Ali Bongo was born into a ruling dynasty:

His father Omar took power in 1967.

Ali went to private school in France, loves American music and even released a funk album in 1978.

After his father Omar died in 2009...

‘Bongo Junior’- as he’s known - won the presidency in a contentious vote.

Ali vowed to modernize Gabon… a country hooked on dwindling oil reserves and known for its ultra-rich elite.

He raised hope there could be change in a region of autocrats.

People in Gabon have long hoped for oil and mineral wealth to be shared more fairly.

While his father relied on business deals with former colonial power France...

Ali promised to diversify the economy and protect the environment.

He slashed the number of government ministers and capped salaries for officials running state businesses.

But while his environmental moves garnered praise from outside the country... inequality has persisted.

Gabon's economy has been slow to diversify and almost a third of its 2.3 million people live below the poverty line.

Opponents accused him of rigging the 2016 vote and brutally quelling protests.

ALI BONGO FROM 2016: "After the election, I consider myself to be president of all Gabonese." // "We will try to bring everybody together."

Rioters burned parliament and police responded by killing protesters.

After a stroke in 2018 - his fitness to rule was questioned.

As he recuperated in Morocco, a failed coup took place in 2019.

He had appeared healthier during the latest election.... when he was again declared victor.

That is, until military officers stepped in.