Gabon's New Leader Nguema Meets Mediators

Gabon's newly installed leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, held a meeting with the Central African Republic's President, Faustin Archange Touadera, as part of diplomatic efforts to address the aftermath of the recent coup that ended the 55-year Bongo dynasty. Faustin Archange Touadera has been appointed by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) as the "facilitator of the political process" in Gabon. His role involves engaging with all Gabonese stakeholders and partners to facilitate a swift return to constitutional order. Gabon joins several African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Niger, that have experienced coups in recent years, raising concerns both within the continent and globally. Equatorial Guinea, a member of ECCAS, announced the suspension of Gabon from the 11-nation group. ECCAS has also decided to relocate its headquarters from Gabon's Libreville to Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. General Brice Oligui Nguema, who was sworn in as interim president, pledged to organize "free, transparent, and credible elections" to restore civilian rule. He also promised amnesty for political prisoners but did not specify a timeline for these actions. After taking power, General Oligui has engaged with key figures, including Albert Ondo Ossa, the main opposition candidate in the disputed presidential elections. Meetings with various interest groups, business leaders, religious figures, and civil society have indicated his commitment to addressing corruption and reforming the country's pension system. Gabon's political landscape has been dominated by the Bongo family for over five decades. General Oligui's rise to power came after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was forced out. The coup occurred following the contentious presidential elections on August 26, which were marred by allegations of fraud. Albert Ondo Ossa, who claims to have won the elections that were later nullified by the coup, called on General Oligui to step aside, arguing that the military takeover had annulled the election results. He also suggested familial ties between General Oligui and Ali Bongo, characterizing the events as a "palace revolution" maintaining the "Bongo system."