New Gabon military leader vows free election and civilian rule

The new Gabon military leader General Brice Oligui Nguema vows free election and civilian rule. He took power in Gabon five days ago.

The General promises to give power back to civilians but didn’t say when. The army ended Ali Bongo’s 14-year rule on August 30.

They claimed his re-election was rigged.

The next day, army and police leaders met. They blamed Bongo’s team for wasting public money.

General Oligui took an oath in front of judges. He wore a red uniform and pledged to uphold democracy.

He spoke to a large crowd. It included former ministers and party members from Bongo’s regime.

He asked them to help draft a new constitution. He also promised a fair new electoral code.

General Oligui aims to hold free, transparent elections. Ali Bongo, now under house arrest, came to power in 2009.

His father ruled Gabon for over 41 years.

Global groups like the African Union and EU condemned the coup. Yet, they noted this coup followed a flawed election. EU’s Josep Borrell called it an “institutional coup.”

The Bongo Dynasty

Gabon is a Central African country rich in oil and minerals. It gained independence from France in 1960.

Ali’s father, Omar Bongo, ruled from 1967 until his death in 2009. His rule was one of Africa’s longest. Ali Bongo then won a disputed election in 2009.

Gabon has seen protests and calls for change. Many criticize the Bongos for not sharing the country’s wealth.

The family has faced charges of corruption and misuse of funds. However, no legal action has brought them down.

The African Union usually condemns coups. This time they also pointed out the flawed election. Coups have become more common in Africa recently.

Eight countries have faced them in the past three years. This is causing concern among international observers.

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