Junta leader Ngeuma releases his cousin, Gabon’s President Bongo from detention

Gabon military ruler General Brice Nguema has ordered the release of his cousin, ousted President Ali Bongo, from detention.

Ahmed Oluwasanjo • September 7, 2023

General Brice Nguema and President Ali Bongo

Gabon military ruler General Brice Nguema has ordered the release of his cousin, ousted President Ali Bongo, from detention.

Mr Nguema signed the statement announcing Mr Bongo’s release from detention on Wednesday, a week after he was sacked from office.

“Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move about,” Gabon’s military spokesman, Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi, said in a statement read on national television. “He may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical checkups.”

Putschists on August 30 toppled Mr Bongo’s government, shortly after he was declared winner of the August 26 election, ending the 56-year reign of the Bongos dynasty in Gabon.

Mr Nguema was afterwards announced interim president on the same day and sworn in on Monday, despite criticisms from the international community and calls for civil rule restoration by the opposition party.

Mr Nguema promised Gabonese hope for a free and fair election but stressed that his regime is not in a hurry to restore civilian rule.

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