Gabon Coup Leader Speaks On Fresh Elections As Pressure Mounts To Hand Back Power To A Civilian Government

Gabon Coup Leader Speaks On Fresh Elections As Pressure Mounts To Hand Back Power To A Civilian Government

The leader of the coup that ousted Gabon’s President Ali Bongo has expressed a desire to avoid rushing into elections to prevent repeating past mistakes. General Brice Oligui Nguema, who seized power in a military coup, made this statement amid increasing pressure to return power to a civilian government.

The coup marked the end of the Bongo family’s 56-year rule in Gabon.

General Nguema emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition rather than hastily organizing elections that might lead to the same individuals retaining power.

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He made this statement during a televised address on Friday night.

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), a regional bloc, has called on international partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, to support a swift return to constitutional order. The ECCAS plans to reconvene on Monday to address the situation further.

Gabon’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023, which claims to have won the election, has urged the international community to encourage the coup leaders to transfer power back to civilian authorities.

President Ali Bongo’s family, which held power for decades, has been criticized for not adequately sharing the country’s wealth from oil and mining resources. The Bongo family was known for its opulent lifestyle and properties in various countries.

The coup in Gabon is part of a pattern of political instability in West and Central Africa, with several countries experiencing coups in recent years, erasing democratic progress and raising concerns among international stakeholders.