Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was recently re-elected after 14 years in power, was placed under house arrest following a military coup. According to the head of the Republican Guard, General Brice Oligui Nguema, Ali Bongo has been “retired”. The general stressed that Ali Bongo “enjoys all his rights” and is now considered “a normal Gabonese, like everyone else”.

Ali Bongo’s re-election after a third term was disputed because it violated the Gabonese Constitution and raised questions about the electoral process. It is in this context that the army decided to intervene, considering that it was necessary to “turn the page” and “take its responsibilities”. The coup was orchestrated by members of the presidential guard, including General Brice Oligui Nguema.

Transition under discussion

General Nguema, although having played a key role in the coup, said he does not yet consider himself Gabon’s new head of state. He mentioned that a meeting with other generals was scheduled to discuss next steps. The goal is to build consensus and select the best ideas to guide the transition. The name of who will lead the transition will also be decided during this meeting.

This coup marks the end of an era of more than 55 years of rule by the Bongo family over Gabon, an oil-rich country in Central Africa. France condemned the coup, but protests in support of the military quickly erupted in the streets of the country. In a video, Ali Bongo called on his “friends” to “make noise”, thus expressing his position in the face of the situation.

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