In a controversial turn of events, the leader of the coup that removed President Ali Bongo from power in Gabon is set to address the nation as the interim president. This comes after a swearing-in ceremony that seems to solidify the junta’s control over the country.
The coup, which marked the eighth in West and Central Africa within three years, was orchestrated by military officers, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who seized power on August 30. This move occurred just moments after Bongo had declared victory for a third term in an election. However, the military deemed the election result not credible and annulled it.
General Nguema, now the official leader chosen by the officers, is scheduled to be sworn in as the Transition President and will address the nation on national television at 1000 GMT.
The ousting of the Bongo family, which had held power for 56 years, prompted celebrations on the streets of the capital, Libreville, but faced international condemnation.
Leaders of the Central African regional bloc ECCAS are planning to meet in person to discuss their response to the coup. Last week, they called on international partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, to support a swift return to constitutional order.
The junta has not yet revealed how long it intends to hold power. General Nguema mentioned a desire to proceed “quickly but surely” but cautioned against rushing into elections that may lack credibility.
Gabon’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023, which claims to be the rightful winner of the August 26 election, is urging the international community to encourage the junta to transfer power to civilians. Members of Alternance 2023 held talks with General Nguema on Sunday, although details of the meeting were not disclosed.
President Ali Bongo remains under house arrest. He assumed office in 2009, succeeding his late father, who had been in power since 1967. Critics argue that the Bongo family failed to adequately distribute Gabon’s wealth from oil and mining to the country’s 2.3 million citizens. They also allege that the family abused the nation’s resources and attempted election manipulation, ultimately leading to the military takeover.
