Gabon’s mutinous troops installed their republican guard head as the country’s leader on Wednesday (Aug. 30), after placing President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was declared the victor of Saturday’s election, under house arrest.
In a statement on Gabon’s national television, the coup leaders declared Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema had been “unanimously” appointed president of a transitional committee to run the country. Oligui is Bongo’s cousin.
Bongo urged on supporters to “make noise” in a video from his incarceration at home. Crowds in the streets of the capital, however, hailed the revolt against a family accused of enriching itself on the country’s resource wealth while many of its residents suffer.
“Thank you very much, army. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Yollande remarked, standing in front of republican guard members who had assisted in the takeover.
A nighttime curfew established following the August 26 election was prolonged by coup authorities.
Gabonese will be unable to roam freely between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The prior night’s curfew was in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
“The transition president focuses on the need of maintaining peace and tranquillity in our wonderful nation… “At the dawn of a new era, we will ensure the peace, stability, and dignity of our beloved Gabon,” stated Lt. Col. Ulrich Manfoumbi on state television on Wednesday (Aug. 30).
