The emerging leader of Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who orchestrated the ousting of Ali Bongo Ondimba, is set to be inaugurated as the “transitional president” on Monday, September 4th, 2023, before the Constitutional Court, as announced by the coup leaders on Thursday, August 31st, via television broadcast. The general has also directed the gradual establishment of transitional institutions, according to Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the spokesperson for the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), a consortium of the country’s military leaders.
In front of the Constitutional Court, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the figure responsible for ending over 50 years of Bongo family rule in Gabon, will “take the oath of office, on Monday, September 4, 2023, at the presidency of the Republic,” declared the coup leaders in a statement broadcast on television.
Ensuring the Fulfillment of Our Country’s Commitments
Among the other announcements delivered on August 31, 2023, by the CTRI spokesperson, the temporary reinstatement of the Constitutional Court, the gradual establishment of transitional institutions, and the resumption of domestic flights were highlighted. Furthermore, “General Oligui Nguema has instructed all Secretaries-General, ministerial offices, directors-general, as well as all heads of state departments to immediately ensure the effective resumption of work and the continuity of the functioning of all public services.”
Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi added that the nation’s emerging leader “wishes to reassure all donors, development partners, and state creditors that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the fulfillment of our country’s commitments, both on the external and internal fronts.” As Gabon transitions through this pivotal moment in its history, the steps taken by General Oligui Nguema and the CTRI will be under international scrutiny as the nation aims to maintain stability and honor its obligations.