Gabon’s new military ruler sworn in as caretaker president

Gen. Brice Nguema, the country’s new military leader, was sworn in as the interim president of Gabon on Monday, five days after seizing control in a coup in the Central African nation.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the presidential palace of Gabon in the nation’s capital, Libreville, which was surrounded by jubilant spectators.

After President Ali Bongo of the long-reigning Bongo family was overthrown by the military on August 30, Nguema promised on Saturday to enact more democracy.
Without laying out any specific actions or a timeline for new elections, Nguema stated on state television that the suspension of all state institutions was a temporary measure.

Later, a putschist spokesman claimed that Gabon’s borders had been reopened immediately.

Read Also: Tinubu shouldn’t spare non-performing ministers – AYCF chief

After the coup on August 30, the military initially shut down all land, sea, and air borders. Then, Nguema, the commander of the presidential guard, assumed power.

According to official results that the putschists later nullified because they believed them to be rigged, Bongo was elected for a third term four days earlier.

Long accused of corruption, the Bongo family has ruled in an authoritarian capacity for more than 50 years.

Despite the country’s oil wealth, the majority of Gabon’s 2.3 million population lives in poverty.