Nairobi/Libreville, Gabon - Security services in Gabon imposed a curfew Friday, after violent protests broke out in the central African state of Gabon following Ali-Ben Bongo's declaration of victory in presidential elections.

Opposition supporters went on the rampage Thursday after Bongo, whose late father Omar Bongo ruled the country for more than 41 years, was declared the winner of Sunday's presidential vote, Radio France International (RFI) reported.

Protestors stormed a jail and set the French consulate on fire in the town of Port Gentil after the interior minister announced on state television that Bongo had received 41.7 per cent of the vote.

Opposition figures have long accused France of propping up the regime of Omar Bongo, Ali-Ben's father.

France called for Gabon's estimated 10,000 French citizens to remain at home. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said that plans were in place to protect French citizens if necessary.

The unrest came after a tense four days of waiting for results.

On Monday, Bongo and his main rivals, Andre Mba Obame and Pierre Mambounda, all claimed victory.

The electoral commission was due to announce the results Wednesday, but the announcement was delayed, further stoking tensions.

The opposition suspect the state of staging a coup and accuses Bongo of rigging the elections.

But Bongo said he would be a president for "all Gabonese".  (dpa)