In Gabon, the country’s ruling junta, which seized power through a coup just last week, made a significant appointment on Thursday. They named Raymond Ndong Sima, a 68-year-old economist and former opposition leader, as the prime minister of their transitional government.
Sima’s history adds intrigue to this development. He had been a vocal critic of President Ali Bongo, who was ousted by military officers on August 30th. Sima previously served as Bongo’s prime minister from 2012 to 2014, then resigned to run against him for the presidency in 2016 and once again as part of an opposition coalition this year.
The Bongo family’s dynastic rule, which extended over four decades, had generated widespread dissatisfaction among Gabon’s 2.3 million citizens. Critics argued that the wealth of this Central African oil producer wasn’t adequately shared with the population.
The coup initially sparked jubilation in the capital, Libreville, and the junta moved swiftly to solidify its authority, appointing General Brice Oligui Nguema as interim president just days after the coup.
On Thursday, the announcement of Sima’s appointment as prime minister was made via state television by army officers.
Nguema, the interim president, has pledged to implement economic reforms and oversee free and fair elections, although he has yet to specify a timeline for these plans.
The United Nations has expressed its willingness to assist Gabon in its transitional period. Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General in Central Africa, met with Nguema in Libreville and affirmed the UN’s commitment to support Gabon once a clear roadmap and government structure are in place.
It’s worth noting that this coup in Gabon distinguishes itself from other recent military takeovers in West and Central Africa, such as the one in Niger. Unlike Niger, there has been no significant anti-French or pro-Russian sentiment in Gabon. Furthermore, the junta in Libreville has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with international organizations, in contrast to their counterparts in Niamey.
Despite the suspension of Gabon by the Central African regional bloc, ECCAS, President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic met with Nguema as a representative of ECCAS. Touadera also confirmed that he met with Ali Bongo with Nguema’s permission, though he didn’t provide specific details about Bongo’s situation, only describing the meeting as fruitful.
Previously under house arrest after the coup, the junta announced on Wednesday that Ali Bongo was now free and had the option to travel abroad for medical checks.
As Gabon enters this new phase, the world watches closely to see what further steps the ruling junta will take in shaping the nation’s future.
