Gabon coup leader sworn in as ‘transitional’ head of state

General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup last week that toppled Gabon’s 55-year-old dynasty, was sworn in as transitional president this Monday September 4. He pledged to hold “free… (and) transparent elections” after an unspecified period and “to amnesty prisoners of conscience.”

The group known as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, which is in charge now, announced that they have immediately reopened the country’s land, sea, and air borders ahead of General Brice Oligui Nguema’s inauguration as “president of the transition” on Monday.

The ruling army officers said the borders are reopened to show their commitment to economic stability and good relations with neighbors. General Nguema, speaking to more than 200 Gabonese business leaders at the Presidency of the Republic, has also issued strong warnings to those involved in corruption and overcharging, promising to take action against such practices.

The coup leaders last Wednesday (August 30) said they had dissolved the nation’s institutions, cancelled the election results and temporarily closed the borders. International reaction to the coup has been mixed with countries such as France both condemning the takeover and recognizing issues with Gabon’s democratic process. Other countries have not acknowledged Oligui as Gabon’s legitimate leader and he faces pressure to spell out his plans for restoring civilian rule.