There was an impression that Nguema had been proposed by the leaders of the coup to assume the role of President, succeeding Ali Bongo, the ousted leader.

Video footage aired earlier on state TV depicted him being hoisted by troops while they chanted his name.

However, he has refuted any assertions that such an appointment has been confirmed or made.

"I am not declaring myself yet, I am not considering anything at the moment," he told the French newspaper.

"It is a debate we will have with all the generals."

Gabon's President, Ali Bongo Ondimba has been ousted by Army officers.

President Ali Bongo was recently declared winner after Saturday’s election by the Electoral Commission, garnering 64.27% of the vote with his main challenger Albert Ondo Ossa taking 30.77%.

On Wednesday morning, August 30, twelve soldiers appeared on television , announcing that they were cancelling the results of the election and dissolving “all the institutions of the republic”.

They noted that there has irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos.

The soldiers said they were from the Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions and represent security and defence forces in the country.

Sounds of loud gunfire could be heard in the country’s capital, Libreville, following the broadcast.