African Union Suspends Gabon As Cameroon, Rwanda Retire Top Generals, 1,000 Soldiers

Following the latest coup in Gabon, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Thursday suspended the country from all activities.

The government of President Ondimba Ali Bongo was overthrown by soldiers led by the head of the Republican guards, General Brice Nguema. AU released a statement condemning the forceful military takeover of power in the country located in Central Africa. Cameroon and Rwanda have immediately retired over 1,029 senior officers in a surprise move against their respective militaries. It was gathered that Rwanda further approved the retirement of 12 generals, including two four-star generals, James Kabarebe and Fred Ibingira, and two three-star generals, Charles Kayonga and Frank Mushyo Kamanzi. Rwandan outlet News Times reports that the government approved the retirement of a huge number of soldiers, according to the statement issued by the Rwandan Defence Force. The statement partly reads via Vanguard: “The President has also approved the retirement of 83 senior officers, six junior officers and 86 senior non-commissioned officers, 678 whose contracts ended and 160 medical discharges.” It is the same situation in Cameroon as President Paul Biya reshuffled made new appointments and reshuffled the military. Capt Ajeagah Njei Félix, Colonel and Colonel Nguema Ondo Bertin Bourger are the new controllers according to the decision. Appointments were also made to the positions of Technical Advisers, Bureau Commissariat, and Air Force Technical Inspector. Disclosing its decision after a meeting of its Peace and Security Council, the AU said it “decides to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions.” Meanwhile, the opposition in Gabon, Alternance 2023 Alliance, is yet to make a public statement over the military coup in the country. The alliance “invited the defence and security forces to the discussion so as to work out the best solution,” following the vote.