In Gabon, the pressure is intensifying on the coup leaders, who seized control just two days after President Ali Bongo’s controversial announcement of a third-term win. Military officers swiftly took over, placing Bongo under house arrest and appointing General Brice Oligui Nguema as the interim leader. This abrupt transition marked the end of the Bongo family’s 56-year rule.
The coup sparked both celebrations and condemnations. Many took to the streets of the capital, Libreville, to express their support, but international and domestic voices decried the move.
The Central African regional bloc ECCAS called on partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, to back a swift return to constitutional order. Gabon’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023, also appealed to the international community to push for a return to civilian rule.
Alexandra Pangha, spokesperson for Alternance 2023 leader Albert Ondo Ossa, criticized the junta’s plan to inaugurate Nguema as head of state as “absurd.”
This upheaval came after years of the Bongo family’s political dominance. Critics argue that they failed to distribute the nation’s oil and mining wealth effectively, while many Gabonese citizens lived in poverty. Military leaders arrested Noureddin Bongo Valentin, one of the president’s sons, and several government officials on various charges, including embezzlement and narcotics trafficking.
State broadcaster Gabon 24 reported the confiscation of duffel bags filled with cash from officials’ homes, allegedly tied to Bongo’s election fund. Concerns about Valentin’s safety arose as lawyers for Bongo’s wife revealed he was held at an undisclosed location.
Despite the tensions, Libreville remained calm under heavy security. Residents hoped for a peaceful transition to civilian rule, emphasizing the importance of experienced politicians managing this process.
However, the outcome remains uncertain, as efforts to reverse coups in other African countries have faced challenges. Gabon joins a list of nations in West and Central Africa experiencing political upheaval, raising concerns for regional stability and international interests.
The White House stated its pursuit of “viable diplomatic solutions” for both Gabon and Niger, where a coup recently ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Alternance 2023 demanded a full vote count, claiming their candidate, Ondo Ossa, had won. The election commission initially declared Bongo the winner with 64% of the vote, while Ondo Ossa secured nearly 31%. This announcement occurred without independent observers due to an internet blackout.
The junta has not yet revealed its transition plans, leaving many questions unanswered. Nguema is expected to make his first address on Monday. The African Union’s Peace and Security Council called for fair and transparent elections, threatening sanctions against coup leaders if they fail to restore constitutional order.
Putting an end to the Bongo Dynasty is crucial, but resorting to military rule is not a viable solution.
