Coup d’état in Gabon: Ali Bongo Ondimba released by the military

Ali Bongo Ondimba free to move. The announcement was made this Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in a press release published by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI).

Placed under house arrest for several days after the coup d’état, Ali Bongo Ondimba is now free, “taking into account his state of health”. According to the spokesperson for the putschists, the now former president of Gabon can “if he wishes, go abroad to carry out his medical checks”indicated the Spokesman of the junta.

In the early hours of the coup, the putschists announced that former president Ali Bongo Ondimba was being kept under house arrest with his family and that he was surrounded by his doctors.

A few hours after the junta’s declaration, Ali Bongo Ondimba appeared in a short video denouncing his arrest. He had called on his supporters and supporters to protest against the coup d’état of which he had just been the victim. His call was clearly not heard, as no protests were observed inside the country.

End of a 56-year reign

Ali Bongo Ondimba was about to run for a third term when the coup took place. He was declared the winner of the August 2023 presidential election under conflicting conditions. This is how the army decided to take power and annul the election results.

This event which will mark the political history of Gabon came to put an end to the reign of the Bongo family. A dynasty that lasted 56 years, from father to son.

From now on, General Brice Oligui Nguema runs the country. Even if he is suspected of colluding with the Bongo family, to whom he is close, his takeover marks a renewal for the Gabonese people.