The Gabonese Military has selected the Head of the Republican Guards, Colonel Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, as Leader of the transition hours after the military officers took over power.
In 2020,Brice was appointed the Head of the Republican Guard,a unit responsible for the protection of the president . He replaced the president’s cousin, General Grégoire Kouna.
On Wednesday, August 30, the military announced that it had taken over power from Ali Bongo Ondimba after a prolonged shooting around the presidential palace area.
The coupists had cited irregularities in the presidential election on Saturday, August 26 and others as reasons for ousting the government of Bongo.
The development comes after Gabon’s electoral commission announced late Tuesday night that incumbent, Ali Bongo, won the election by scoring 64.27% of the votes with the opposition candidate Ondo Ossa trailing behind with 30%.
On July 26, A group of soldiers ousted Mohammed Bazoum,the democratically elected president of Niger Republic and announced the Head of the Presidential Guards,Gen Abdourahamane Tiani as Head of the Junta.
Worried by the resurgence of coups in the West African sub region , the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger and have relentlessly pursued the restoration of democratic order through diplomatic channels.
The outed president, Ondimna,who chairs the Economic Community of Central African States ECCA also sent emissaries to ECOWAS chairperson,Bola Tinubu to pledge support for measures taken against Niger.
Bazoum has since been placed under house arrest along with his family and members of his government. His son,who is schooling somewhere is also not allowed to go to school.
The Ondimna who is also placed under house arrest in the Residence, official home of the president is seen on a trending video calling for help.saying his wife and son are being held in different locations.
A source resident in Libreville, the Gabonese capital said there’s absolute calm and palpable fear on the streets.
He told current matters that the coup or civil war was anticipated weeks before the election as many residents trooped out early to stock foodstuffs.
According to him, shops and Banks are closed following the announcement of the coup.
The Bongo Ondimna dynasty has ruled Gabon for 55 years.
El Hajj Omar Bongo Ondimna was the second president of Gabon after succeeding his principal,Leon Mba in 1967.
His son, Ali Bongo Ondimna was elected president after his father’s death in 2009.He was re-elected in 2016 in elections characterized by irregularities, violence.and protests.
