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Gabon’s new military chief was sworn in as head of state on Monday (September 4th), less than a week after ousting President Bongo, whose family ruled the central African country for more than five decades.

General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was sworn in at the presidential palace before a crowded and noisy room of government officials, military and local leaders in Gabon’s capital, Libreville. Oligui is a cousin of ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, served as his late father’s bodyguard and is head of the Republican Guard, an elite military unit.

To applause, Oligui said the army had seized power without bloodshed and promised to return power to the people by holding free, transparent and credible elections.

“With the new government, made up of experienced people, we will give everyone a chance to hope,” he promised.

The mutinous soldiers who overthrew Bongo last week considered that the latter risked leading the country into chaos and then “unanimously” appointed Oligui as president of the transition committee. Bongo, who had been president for 14 years, was ousted hours after being declared the winner in a vote widely seen as riddled with irregularities and lacking in transparency.

Oligui’s quick inauguration will create a sense of legitimacy and cement his power to deter potential opponents from challenging his power, according to Maja Bovcon, senior analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, a risk assessment firm.