A coalition spokeswoman, Alexandra Pangha, told BBC’s Newsday programme it would be absurd for the putschists to swear in a president on Monday before institutions they had themselves dissolved.

She criticised their reluctance to hold talks with the party she said had won last Saturday's presidential election.

"Up to today we have been waiting for an invitation from the military so that they can talk to us and tell us exactly what's the plan," Ms Pangha said, adding that she did not believe that the Bongo dynasty had left power.

She alleged, without providing evidence, that the coup leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, was being supported by other members of the family.