Leader of Gabon’s military junta, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, has been sworn in as the Central African country’s interim President.
The televised swearing in ceremony took place on Monday, September 4, 2023, and was carried out by the country’s constitutional court judges.
A military parade was held at Monday’s event, which took place at the presidential palace in Gabon’s capital, Libreville.
Nguema got a standing ovation as he arrived for the swearing-in ceremony and the crowd cheered after he took the oath administered by constitutional judges.
Crowds of cheering civilians also attended the ceremony, signalling their support for the military.
Nguema led the coup that overthrew Gabon President, Ali Bongo Ondimba on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Bongo, who had been President for 14 years, was ousted hours after being declared the winner of the Presidential election that was widely criticized as full of irregularities and lacking transparency.
Bongo had served two terms since coming to power in 2009 after the death of his father who ruled the country for 41 years.
Nguema disclosed at the swearing in ceremony that the military had seized power without bloodshed. He promised to return power to the people by organizing free, transparent and credible elections.
He did not specify when the election would take place.
“With the new government, made up of experienced people, we’re going to give everyone a chance to hope,” he said.
It is yet to be known how long Nguema will hold on to power. Prior to his inauguration, he said that the country will not rush into a new election to avoid a “repeat of past mistakes.”
In his speech, Nguema made reference to South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, French statesman Charles Fe Gaulle and former Ghanaian leader, Jerry John Rawlings.
“This patriotic action will be a lesson learnt that will be taught in the books of our schools,” Nguema averred.
He added that a fresh government would be formed “in a few days” and recommended new electoral legislation, a new penal code and a referendum on a new constitution.
Also, Nguema noted that he had instructed the new government “to think without delay” about freeing all political prisoners.
Gabon was suspended from the African Union following the coup, which has been condemned by the UN and France.
Nguema expressed in his speech that he was “surprised” at foreign criticism of the takeover.
A Means To Create Perceptions Of Legitimacy
Maja Bovcon, senior analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, a risk assessment firm, opined that the speedy swearing-in of Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema will create perceptions of legitimacy and consolidate his power to deter potential opponents from challenging his rule.
“It is also likely intended as a means to restore investor confidence by conveying the message that he will not waste time in returning to business-as-usual and democratic rules,” she said.
However, the fact that he plans to rewrite the constitution and electoral code means that the transition period will likely take months if not years.
Opposition in the country has urged the junta to resume the electoral process and conclude the vote count to pave the way to victory for opposition leader, Albert Ondo Ossa, who was a runner up in the nullified election.
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