Christian TV Station Attacked in Gabon

A prominent Christian television station in the African nation of Gabon was attacked after results of a disputed presidential election were announced on the channel.

Radio Television Nazareth (RTN) was fire-bombed and most of its television equipment destroyed when government soldiers reportedly attacked the radio and television station on August 31.

Protests in the capital Libreville turned violent last week after President Ali Bongo was declared winner of a closely fought presidential election. His main opponent, Jean Ping, claimed the election was "stolen" and that led to clashes between his supporters and government security forces.

President Bongo won the election by about 6,000 votes, but Ping refused to accept the results and has called for a vote recount.

RTN airs numerous Christian television programs, including a French version of the Christian Broadcasting Network's (CBN) 700 Club, which has been on the air seven days a week since 2006.

CBN's representative at RTN described the damage to the station as "enormous."

"They lost all the equipment, camera, computers, and even vehicles were burned and riddled with bullets," Phanuelle Benga wrote in an email message.

The head of RTN, Pastor Georges Ngoussi, told a French news agency that the men who attacked his station were hooded and heavily armed but fortunately, no one was injured or killed in the attack.

"We bless the Lord because there has been no loss of life," Benga wrote.

Elsewhere, reports say between 50 and 100 people have died in post-election violence in Gabon.

"The situation is still worrying but we remain clinging to God alone, who has the last word," Benga said.