Gabon's ousted President Ali Bongo can go abroad for medical checks
Africa
By
Xinhua
| Sep 07, 2023
Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo can go abroad for medical checkups, according to the country's transitional government.
"Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move. He can, if he wishes, go abroad to carry out his medical checks," Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, spokesperson for the transitional government, said Wednesday in a statement "signed" by Brice Oligui Nguema, who was sworn in on Monday as transitional President.
On Wednesday, last week, a group of military officers appointed Nguema, commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, to head the transition after launching a coup earlier in the day following the announcement of the reelection of President Ali Bongo Ondimba by the national electoral body.
In his remarks on Monday, the transitional leader, 48, noted that the military took "their responsibilities" in the face of an "outrageously biased electoral process," referring to the coup.
READ MORE
Private beachfront ownership hurting tourism
IMF, World Bank at odds on tax Kenya policies
Budget 2024: The big picture and the IMF hand
Tax push will erode financial inclusion, caution groups
Brookside ups bonus payment to farmers by 54pc to Sh218 million
Ecobank launches 2024 fintech challenge
Fraud, cyber incidents and corruption are threats to businesses
'MSMEs not bothered by loan rates but turnaround time'
"The defense and security forces of our country took their responsibilities by refusing the electoral coup," he explained.
Nguema promised a new constitution by referendum, a new electoral code and a reliable penal code. He also promised to "return power to civilians" and hold "free" and "transparent" elections after the transition without specifying the election date and duration of the transition.
According to Nguema, a new government "made up of experienced people and people with seasoned skills" will be implemented in the coming days.
Bongo, 64, once served as minister of defense and other posts in the government. He was elected president of Gabon in 2009 and was reelected in 2016. He was under house arrest, while some of his advisers and senior officials, including his son Noureddin Bongo Valentin, were said to have been arrested for treason, embezzlement and corruption, among other allegations.
Gabon's leading opposition group, Alternance 2023, which claims to be the winner of the elections on Aug. 26, has called on the international community to encourage the junta to hand power back to civilians.
- IMF, World Bank at odds on tax Kenya policies
- Tax push will erode financial inclusion, caution groups
- State flops on key promises amid quest for more taxes
- Finance Bill 2024: Financial gurus diaspora leaders raise their concerns
- Mps walk a tightrope on taxes, budget