Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has engaged in discussions with the opposition candidate, Albert Ondo Ossa, as part of consultations aimed at rebuilding the nation.
Mr. Ossa was the primary contender against the deposed President Ali Bongo in the election, which was invalidated following the military’s seizure of power last week.
It appears that the military authorities are seeking to garner support from the opposition in order to chart a new course for Gabon.
Mr. Ossa chose not to attend the inauguration ceremony of General Nguema that took place on Monday, asserting that he had emerged victorious in the annulled elections and should have been sworn in as president.
The meeting between these two figures suggests that the opposition may play a role in the interim government. While Mr. Ossa did not provide specific details, he indicated that the discussions centered on the transition and the restoration of governmental institutions.
The coup that occurred last Wednesday seems to have garnered some level of popular support, but there remains uncertainty about the nation’s future. General Nguema has not yet announced a timeline for the return to civilian rule.
In the meantime, the junta has released several detainees, including Jean Rémi Yama, a pro-democracy activist and leader of the most influential trade union confederation.