Gabon's General Brice Oligui Nguema, who orchestrated a coup last week leading to the end of Gabon's 55-year-old dynasty, was sworn in as interim president on Monday. In his oath of office, he pledged to oversee "free and transparent elections" in the future, although he did not specify when these elections would occur.
General Oligui, who serves as the head of the elite Republican Guard, led a group of officers in the coup against President Ali Bongo Ondimba shortly after Bongo was declared the winner of last month's presidential election, an outcome contested by the opposition as fraudulent.
During his swearing-in ceremony, dressed in the distinctive red ceremonial attire of the Republican Guard, General Oligui vowed to "faithfully preserve the republican regime" and "uphold the achievements of democracy." He also promised amnesty for "prisoners of conscience."
Following the coup, the leaders announced the dissolution of Gabon's institutions, the nullification of election results, and the temporary closure of borders. However, many countries have not yet recognized General Oligui as Gabon's legitimate leader, and there is mounting pressure for him to outline his plan for the return to civilian rule.
General Oligui has engaged in extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including business leaders, religious figures, unions, political parties, NGOs, diplomats, and journalists. He has pledged to create more democratic institutions that respect human rights but emphasized that he would proceed without haste.
While some elements of the former opposition are urging General Oligui to relinquish power, many Gabonese citizens have expressed satisfaction with the removal of the Bongo dynasty, leading to street celebrations in the capital, Libreville, and the economic hub of Port-Gentil.
The coup in Gabon has drawn condemnation from several Western countries and organizations, although some have acknowledged the unique circumstances surrounding the coup due to concerns about the credibility of the election itself.
Former President Ali Bongo, who had sought a third term in office, was put under house arrest by the coup leaders. He managed to share a video on social media where he revealed that his son and wife had also been detained and called on supporters worldwide to advocate on his behalf.
National television in Gabon showcased images of Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the deposed president's son, and other arrested officials alongside suitcases purportedly filled with seized cash. The military has accused them of treason, embezzlement, corruption, and falsifying the president's signature, among other charges.
In recent years, several African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have experienced coups, with new rulers facing calls for a swift return to civilian rule.