By Yves Laurent Goma and Sam Mednick | Associated Press
Mutinous soldiers in Gabon have taken control of the country and placed President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was recently reelected, under house arrest. They accuse him of betrayal and widespread embezzlement during his lengthy rule over the oil-rich Central African nation.
In a televised announcement, the coup leaders declared Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the republican guard chief, as the country’s new leader. Oligui, who is a cousin of Bongo, has been unanimously designated as president of a transitional committee to govern the country. This comes after Bongo’s victory in the presidential election, which marked 55 years of rule by him and his late father.
In response to the coup, Bongo called on the people to support him, but instead, the streets of the capital filled with celebratory crowds who view the overthrow of the dynasty as a welcome change. Many have criticized the Bongo family for enriching themselves while the majority of the population struggles.
A curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. will be in effect, but people will be allowed to move freely during the day on Thursday, according to the coup leaders.
Gen. Oligui, the new military leader, used to be the bodyguard of Bongo’s late father and also served as the head of the secret service before becoming the head of the republican guard.
Ali Bongo Ondimba, who has been in power since 2009 following his father’s death, has faced widespread discontent during his two terms as president. The country’s oil wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to high unemployment rates among Gabonese youths.
The Bongo family is currently under investigation in France, with nine members facing preliminary charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and corruption. French NGO Sherpa has linked the family to more than $92 million in properties in France, further tarnishing their reputation.
The coup leaders have accused Bongo of irresponsible governance and high betrayal of state institutions, among other crimes. However, analysts warn that the overthrow may not necessarily lead to improvements for the ordinary people of Gabon, as it could stem from divisions within the ruling elite.
This coup follows similar events in West and Central Africa in recent years, and experts believe that the lack of consequences for past coup leaders may have emboldened the soldiers in Gabon. The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned the coup and called for the safety of President Bongo and his family.
The situation in Gabon has already had economic repercussions, with flights canceled and operations halted at the country’s main port. French companies have suspended operations, and France, which has close ties with Gabon, has voiced its condemnation of the military coup.
While Niger and other West African countries have experienced jihadi violence, Gabon has been relatively stable. The events in Gabon are being closely monitored by the White House and other international leaders, who are concerned about the spread of autocracy in Africa.
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