Brice Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s military junta has vowed to return power to civilians after “free, transparent” elections.
He did not provide a date, though, in a speech following his inauguration as interim president.
Ali Bongo was overthrown by a coup led by Brice Nguema on last Wednesday, just days after the results of a disputed election had been announced.
At the inauguration, large crowds of cheering citizens attended; they welcomed the coup and were eager for change.
Some believe that Gen Nguema’s rule will simply be an extension of the 55-year Bongo dynasty.
Omar Bongo, the father of Ali Bongo, ruled for 41 years before he died in 2009 and was succeeded by his son.
The general, who is rumored to be Ali Bongo’s cousin, spent the majority of his career in the Bongo family’s inner circle.
The event was held at the presidential palace in Libreville, the nation’s capital, and included a military parade as well.
Former government ministers attended as well, but they were jeered by a group of supporters of the junta.
The inauguration is the most recent in a string of military coups that have occurred in West and Central Africa.
Gabon is the sixth Francophone nation to be placed under military rule in the last three years as the former colonial power France struggles to maintain its sway on the continent.
Following the coup, which the UN and France both denounced, Gabon was suspended from the African Union.
Source-BBC
