Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, leader of the recent military coup in Gabon, was sworn in as interim president following a coup that ended the 56-year rule of the Bongo family.
The coup came after a disputed presidential election in which former President Ali Bongo was declared the winner. The junta, led by Nguema, nullified the election results, put Bongo under house arrest, and closed the country’s borders.
Ali Bongo had been the country’s president since the death of his father, Omar Bongo, in 2009, who had ruled the country from 1967 until his demise.
READ: Military Coup in Gabon Removes Democratically Elected President
In his swearing-in speech, Nguema promised a new era for Gabon, pledging to organize new elections that would be “free, transparent, credible and peaceful.” He further stated, “When the people are crushed by their leaders… it’s the army that gives them back their dignity,” adding, “People of Gabon, today the times of happiness that our ancestors dreamt of are finally coming.”
The new leader also vowed to pass a new constitution through a referendum, release political prisoners, and welcome back exiles. This development marks the second coup in Africa this year, following the overthrow of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum in July.
