Updated

Gabon's prosecutor says one person was killed after opposition protesters went ahead with a banned rally, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas in a bid to disperse the crowd.

Opposition leaders said three people were killed, but Sidonie Flore Ouwe said only one death was confirmed. The exact circumstances of the death were unclear. She also said multiple people were arrested, but could not provide a precise total.

Saturday's rally had been organized to protest Ali Bongo Ondimba, who became president after his father, former President Omar Bongo, died in 2009.

Interior Minister Guy Bertrand Mapangou banned the rally on Friday, citing security concerns.

Ouwe, the prosecutor, said a gas station, a market and multiple cars were burned during the altercation between police and demonstrators.