The Gabonese military officer who led a coup on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, that put an end to the regime of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has taken the oath of office as interim president on Monday, September 4, 2023.
He promised free and transparent elections but did not give a specified period….CONTINUE READING
Oligui, head of the elite Presidential Guard, led officers in a coup against Bongo whose family had ruled the country for 55 years.
This came moments after 64-year-old Bongo was declared winner in the August 2023 presidential election — a result branded a fraud by the opposition.
The coup leaders had earlier announced they had dissolved the nation’s institutions, canceled the election results, and temporarily closed the borders.
The new interim president had on Friday, September 1, 2023, vowed to create more democratic institutions that respect human rights, but said he would proceed without haste.
However, opposition from the former government is now urging Oligui to hand over power. But many in Gabon seem happy about overthrowing the Bongo’s long rule.
Similarly, several Western countries and organizations condemned the coup while acknowledging that it differs from others on the continent due to concerns over the credibility of the vote itself….CONTINUE READING
