Gabon Republic’s new strongman, General Brice Oligui Nguema, will be sworn in as “transitional president” at the constitutional court on Monday, coup leaders said.
Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, spokesman for the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), announced on state television on Thursday, a day after rebel officers overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba, that Oligui will “phase in transitional institutions.”
The length of the transitional institutions was not specified.
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In order to “ensure in the immediate future the effective resumption of work and continuity of the functioning of all public services,” the spokesman added, “all general secretaries, ministerial offices, director generals and officials of state services” have been given instructions.
The army chiefs swore to uphold Gabon’s responsibilities both at home and internationally.
Oligui “would like to reassure all donors, development partners as well as state creditors that all provisions will be taken to guarantee respect for our country’s commitments both externally and internally,” the spokesman concluded.
Gabon Coup
Minutes after being declared the winner of a closely contested election, a military revolution rocked the Central African nation of Gabon, toppling the president whose family had ruled for more than 50 years.
Since taking power in the oil-rich but impoverished country over 14 years ago, ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba, often known as Ali Bongo, has been accused of electoral fraud and corruption.
People in the nation’s capital were seen rejoicing and hugging soldiers on the street after the coup.
However, a lot is still unknown because Bongo is apparently under house arrest, his son has been imprisoned, all borders have been closed, and the government is ostensibly shut down.
The coup has drawn the alarm and censure of world leaders, some of whom have advised their nationals in Gabon to take cover.