Gabon’s Military Junta Installs Col. Brice Nguema as New Leader, Ending 55-Year Bongo Family Rule
In a development, the military junta in Gabon has formally introduced Colonel Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the former head of the Republican Guards, as the nation’s new leader, marking the conclusion of the Bongo family’s 55-year reign.
This watershed moment was unveiled on Wednesday, August 30, when the military command declared the successful takeover of power from long-standing leader Ali Bongo Ondimba.
The junta cited an alarming decline in the societal fabric, emphasizing the potential for impending chaos if left unchecked.
Among the junta’s concerns, they pointed out the contentious presidential election held on August 26, which they assert was marred by widespread fraud and irregularities.
Notably, the nation’s electoral commission had initially proclaimed the victory of incumbent Ali Bongo, attaining 64.27% of the votes, while opposition candidate Ondo Ossa secured 30% of the tally.
According to a comprehensive report by the Cameroon News Agency, Colonel Nguema’s former role as the leader of the Republican Guards centered around safeguarding the president and preserving national security.
This audacious coup d’état on Wednesday stands as an unequivocal reflection of the Gabonese military’s unequivocal dissatisfaction with the ongoing irregularities within the nation. It underscores the military’s determination to put an end to the turmoil and restore order in the country.
Stepping back to April 2020, Colonel Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema took over leadership of the elite Republican Guard, a select military unit entrusted with the protection of the head of state. His appointment saw him succeed General Grégoire Kouna, a cousin of the now-ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba.
This seismic change in Gabonese leadership paints a picture reminiscent of Gambia, which has grappled with familial governance for over 55 of its 63 years since gaining independence from France in 1960.
The ascent of Bongo, aged 64, transpired in 2009, following the passing of his father, Omar Bongo, who held power for an span of almost 42 years. Omar Bongo, who ascended to office in 1967, was infamous for his status as a kleptocrat — his immense wealth derived from the vast oil resources of Gabon.
This Gabonese episode unfolds scarcely a month after a coup orchestrated by the Presidential Guards against Niger Republic’s then-President Mohammed Bazoum, an incident that resulted in his house arrest.
In a further testament to the military’s grip, Ali Bongo Ondimba is presently confined to house arrest within The Residence, Gabon’s official presidential abode. Simultaneously, his wife and son remain in undisclosed locations, marking a dramatic shift in the dynamics of Gabonese power.