Brice Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s military group, has officially become the interim president of the nation.
General Nguema orchestrated a coup last Wednesday, overthrowing President Ali Bongo shortly after he was declared the winner of a disputed election.
General Nguema has garnered some support from the people, as evidenced by the enthusiastic crowds that gathered for his inauguration.
However, there are concerns that his rule may simply extend the 55-year-long Bongo dynasty’s grip on power.
Ali Bongo’s father, Omar, held the presidency for 41 years until his passing in 2009 when he was succeeded by his son.
It’s worth noting that General Nguema spent most of his career within the Bongo family’s inner circle and is believed to be a cousin of Ali Bongo.
Critics also express worries that the military is not showing any intention of relinquishing control.
Supporters of the military leadership are expected to attend Monday’s inauguration, which is part of a trend of takeovers in West and Central Africa.
Gabon now joins the list of six Francophone countries in the past three years that have experienced military rule.
This shift is occurring as France, their former colonial power, grapples with maintaining influence in Africa.
In the aftermath of the coup, Gabon has been suspended from the African Union, and the United Nations and France have strongly condemned the situation.
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