Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has held discussions with opposition candidate Albert Ondo Ossa as part of consultations aimed at rebuilding the country.
Mr. Ossa, who was the primary challenger to the deposed President Ali Bongo in the election that was nullified when the military seized power, seems to be courted by the military authorities in their efforts to seek support from the opposition for charting a new path for Gabon.
Notably, Mr. Ossa chose to boycott the inauguration ceremony of General Nguema that took place on Monday, asserting that he had won the invalidated elections and should have been sworn in as president.
The meeting between General Nguema and Mr. Ossa suggests that the opposition might play a role in the interim government, although specific details were not disclosed. Mr. Ossa emphasized that their discussions revolved around the transition process and the restoration of government institutions.
The coup that occurred last Wednesday appears to have garnered some level of popular support, but there remains uncertainty about the country’s future. General Nguema has not specified when he plans to return the nation to civilian rule.
In related developments, the junta has released several prisoners, including pro-democracy activist and leader of the most influential trade union confederation, Jean Rémi Yama.