After the military coup in Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema was appointed interim president, the leaders of the coup said on television on Wednesday. It was not initially disclosed how long the transitional period of the military in power should last. The United Nations has since condemned the coup in the Central African country.
Oligui, currently head of the Republican Guard, has been “unanimously appointed chairman of the Commission on Transition and Institutional Recovery, interim president,” an officer said in a statement read Wednesday on Gabon’s 24 TV channel in the presence of dozens of senior citizens. officers. . The night clock between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., which was imposed after the election chaos, also remains in force, according to the coup makers.
Coup after disputed elections
An army officer, flanked by several men in uniform, also announced in a televised address on Wednesday morning that last weekend’s controversial presidential and parliamentary elections would be annulled, the “regime” would be ousted and “all the institutions of the republic” would be dissolved . Immediately before the televised address, the National Electoral Authority had declared Bongo the winner of Saturday’s election. The 64-year-old received about 64 percent of the vote, securing a third term in office.
The military justified the coup with President Bongo’s “irresponsible, unpredictable administration,” which has led to a “continuous deterioration of social cohesion” that threatens to plunge the country “into chaos.” They said they were speaking on behalf of the Commission on Transition and Institutional Recovery. The coup plotters included members of the Republican Guard, an elite presidential unit, as well as regular army soldiers and police officers. Meanwhile, in a video, the deposed president called on his “friends” to support him and “make noise.”
Guterres calls for restraint
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the coup in Gabon. The head of the United Nations is closely following developments and is very concerned about reports of serious violations of fundamental freedoms, the UN said on Wednesday. All actors involved must exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law and human rights.
When asked if parts of Africa were neglected and therefore there were more attempts to overthrow the Sahel, Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: “If you look at the Sahel – if there is less, not enough commitment and investment on the part of the international community have taken place – I think the answer is probably ‘yes’.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
