Gabon has undergone a change in leadership, with General Brice Oligui Nguema being sworn in as interim president following a military coup.
The former president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, continuous to be in detention at his residence.
General Nguema, who previously headed the presidential guard, assumed control of the country less than a week after the military took power. Bongo had been president for 14 years, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled for over four decades until his death in 2009.
Bongo was arrested by soldiers after opposition groups claimed that the elections held in the country last month were fraudulent. The country has been plagued by corruption allegations and economic problems, with high levels of unemployment and poverty.
While many have welcomed Bongo’s removal, concerns have been raised about General Nguema’s close relationship with the deposed president. Political groups have called for a swift transition to a civilian government, with General Nguema stating that new elections will be held once the authorities have ensured their credibility.
A few days ago, a group of army officers in Gabon made a public announcement on national television, declaring that they have taken control of the country. They stated that they were nullifying the results of the recent presidential election, which declared Ali Bongo the winner.
The opposition had accused the election of being fraudulent. The overthrow of Bongo would end his family’s 53-year reign in Gabon. Gabon is a significant oil producer in Africa, and its land is mostly covered by forests. It recently joined the Commonwealth in June 2022, becoming one of the few members that was not a British colony.
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