Gabon's Coup Leader Sworn in as Transitional President Amidst International Scrutiny

September 4, 2023

Libreville, Gabon - In a swift turn of events, General Brice Oligui Nguema, leader of Gabon's elite Republican Guard, was sworn in as the "transitional president" of Gabon on Monday, marking the end of the 55-year Bongo dynasty's rule. This comes just days after the military coup that shook the nation and followed disputed election results.

The coup, which occurred last week, unfolded shortly after President Ali Bongo Ondimba, aged 64, was declared the victor of last month's presidential election, a result that the opposition decried as fraudulent. General Oligui and his officers executed the coup with minimal violence, as there have been no reports of deaths or injuries.

The coup leaders wasted no time in making their intentions clear. They announced the dissolution of Gabon's institutions, the cancellation of the election results, and the closure of the country's borders. However, they later decided to reopen the borders, underscoring the fluidity of the situation.

Internationally, General Oligui's legitimacy as Gabon's leader remains contested. Several countries have not recognized him as the legitimate leader, and he faces mounting pressure to articulate his plans for the restoration of civilian rule in the country.

One key promise made by General Oligui is the organization of "free, transparent, credible, and peaceful elections." However, he has not provided a specific timeline for these elections, emphasizing that a new constitution must be adopted through a referendum before moving forward.

In a statement on Friday, General Oligui pledged to establish democratic institutions that respect human rights but cautioned against rushing the process. This cautious approach has garnered both support and criticism within Gabon, as some within the former opposition urge him to swiftly relinquish power, while others celebrate the end of the Bongo dynasty's rule.

Internationally, reactions have been mixed. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, acknowledged the irregularities in previous elections in Gabon but emphasized that military coups are not the solution.

Since taking power, General Oligui has engaged in extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including business leaders, religious figures, unions, political parties, NGOs, diplomats, and journalists. This outreach suggests a willingness to address concerns and grievances from a broad spectrum of Gabonese society.

Former President Ali Bongo, who had been seeking a third term in office, was placed under house arrest and declared "in retirement" by the coup leaders. However, he managed to release a video on social media, asserting that his son and wife were detained, and he appealed for international support on their behalf.

Gabonese national TV has shown images of Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the deposed president's son, and other arrested officials standing beside suitcases allegedly filled with cash seized from their homes. The military has leveled multiple allegations against them, including treason, embezzlement, corruption, and falsifying the president's signature.

This coup in Gabon adds to a series of political upheavals in Africa, with several countries, including Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Niger, experiencing coups in recent years. The timeline for a return to civilian rule remains uncertain in these nations, raising concerns both domestically and internationally.