While Gabonese are celebrating Wednesday’s revolution, the country’s major opposition leader claims that little has changed.
Soldiers took control mere hours after President Ali Bongo was declared the victor of the presidential election.
They accused him of falsifying the election results last weekend in order to gain a third term in government. For over 60 years, Bongo’s family has dominated the country.
The military declared the next day that General Brice Oligui Nguema will be sworn in as “President of the Transition” on Monday.
The military declared the next day that General Brice Oligui Nguema will be sworn in as “President of the Transition” on Monday.
However, in an interview with TV5 Monde on Thursday, Albert Ondo Ossa described the coup as a “family affair” and a “palace revolution” to maintain them in power.
“Ali Bongo’s cousin is Opigui Nguema.” The campaign was too long for 60 years of Bongo. “The Bongos have decided to replace Ali Bongo with a Bongo CEO system,” he continued, “and they have put forward Oligui Nguema.” In this sense, the Bongo system lives on.”
His remarks came only days after the military took control and imprisoned Bongo, accusing him of negligent administration that threatened to destabilize the oil-rich country.
“There’s no need to look far behind Oligui Nguema; it’s Pascaline Bongo (Ali Bongo’s sister).” That’s all there is to it. She supports Oligui Nguema, and the Bongo clan remains in power.”
“There will be no military coup because it is a palace revolution.” The proof is that the palace revolution was carried out by the praetorian guard. “The other soldiers were not involved,” Ondo Ossa explained.
He lost the presidential election to Bongo by more than 30 percentage points, following an electoral process largely seen as opaque.
“I am requesting the actual results, which are known to all diplomatic missions.” Everyone is aware of the outcomes. Let the true findings be revealed. That is where I am.”
The opposition had earlier commended the army for standing up to what it called a “electoral coup,” and asked the military to finish counting ballots.
