The leader of a Gabonese opposition party expressed his satisfaction to the BBC, stating that he is “pleased” with the military’s removal of President Ali Bongo, whose family had governed Gabon for over five decades.
Nicolas Nguema, the head of Pour Le Changement (PLC), shared his views with the BBC’s Focus on Africa podcast.
He argued that the Bongo family’s prolonged stay in power necessitated a change, with military intervention being the only means to alter the “regime.”
Omar Bongo, Ali Bongo’s father, had assumed leadership in Gabon in 1967, and his son succeeded him in 2009.
“I am delighted with the situation, I am delighted that we have been able to put an end to this dictatorial regime which imprisons the youth,” Nguema said.
“The popular jubilation that we have been hearing in the streets since this morning shows that I am in line with history, with my time, with this thirst for change that we have all had for so long, if not forever,” he added.