Gabon’s newly appointed military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has affirmed his commitment to restoring democracy in the country. However, he has refrained from specifying a timeline for holding fresh elections.
General Nguema has assured that Gabon’s state institutions will undergo reforms aimed at enhancing their democratic nature, emphasizing that their suspension is intended to be a temporary measure. Despite these assurances, the opposition coalition in Gabon remains skeptical, contending that the military has yet to demonstrate a clear intention to transfer power back to a civilian government.
Following the ousting of President Ali Bongo, who was subsequently placed under house arrest, army officers took to state television during the early hours of Wednesday to declare their control, bringing an end to the Bongo family’s 55-year reign over the central African nation. They also announced the nullification of the results of the recent presidential election, in which Mr. Bongo had been declared the winner but was contested by the opposition, who alleged fraud in the election process.
During a televised address on Friday evening, General Nguema emphasized the military’s commitment to taking swift but deliberate actions to prevent elections that might perpetuate the same problems of keeping the same individuals in power.
He stated, “Moving quickly does not mean rushing into hasty elections, which would only repeat previous mistakes.”
Gabon’s primary opposition group, Alternance 2023, which claims to be the rightful victor of the Saturday election, called on the international community to support a return to civilian governance.
Alexandra Pangha, a spokesperson for Alternance 2023 leader Albert Ondo Ossa, expressed hope that the international community would advocate for the restoration of civilian rule and democracy in Gabon rather than allowing General Nguema to be sworn in as a transitional president on Monday, describing such a plan as “absurd.”
The coup in Gabon marks the eighth such event in West and Central Africa since 2020, following similar incidents in Niger, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Chad.
This coup has garnered condemnation from the United Nations, the African Union, and France, Gabon’s former colonial power with strong ties to the Bongo family.
Mr. Bongo, who had been in power since 2009, made a video appearance from his home this week, calling on his “friends all over the world” to advocate on his behalf. Nevertheless, his removal has been met with celebration by many Gabonese who have grown disillusioned with his family’s long-standing rule. Crowds in the capital, Libreville, and other areas were observed celebrating the army’s announcement earlier in the week.