Right this moment, Thursday, the army junta in Gabon appointed Raymond Ndong Sima, a outstanding opponent of ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, as interim prime minister, following the August 30 coup within the nation.
Ndong Sima, a 68-year-old Paris-educated economist, served as prime minister underneath Bongo from 2012 to 2014 earlier than turning into vital of him and working towards him within the 2016 and 2023 presidential campaigns.
His appointment, introduced on state tv, got here by decree of the brand new strongman, Common Brice Oligwe Nguema, who was sworn in as interim president on Monday.
In his inauguration speech, Olegi pledged to carry “free, clear and credible elections” to revive civilian rule, however didn’t specify a timeframe.
He additionally stated that he would quickly announce a transitional authorities that would come with figures from throughout the political spectrum.
Olegy stated the nation may even draw up a brand new structure, which is being drafted with the participation of representatives from all main teams, which will likely be “extra respectful of democracy and human rights” and will likely be put to a referendum.
Talking to AFP shortly after his appointment was introduced, Ndong Sima stated he would current a proposed authorities line-up to Olegwe “inside three or 4 days”.
He stated by cellphone: “They gave me a street map, and I’ll attempt to work within the course set by the military… to revive all our establishments, particularly every thing associated to the framework of the elections.”
Ndong Sima stated he needed to take the time to carry “wide-ranging consultations… in order that individuals who come from all political households” are included within the authorities.
Bongo, 64, took workplace in 2009 after the demise of his father, Omar, who dominated the central African nation with an iron fist for greater than 40 years and earned a popularity as a kleptocrat.
He was narrowly re-elected in 2016, in keeping with hotly contested official outcomes, however two years later he suffered a stroke that weakened his grip on energy.
On August 30, troopers led by Olegoy, the top of the Republican Guard, detained Bongo, his spouse, and son shortly after election supervisors declared him the winner of the presidential election 4 days earlier.
Ndong Sima had campaigned towards Bongo, however backed away simply earlier than election day to face behind the opposition’s joint candidate, college tutorial Albert Ondo Osa.
Ondo Ossa bought 30.77% of the vote in comparison with Bongo’s 64.27%, a outcome the opposition thought of spurious.
Earlier this week, Ndong Sima instructed AFP it was essential to “discuss to the army” after the seizure of energy.
He stated that the interval of transition to civilian rule mustn’t exceed two years, and that he could be “” in collaborating within the upcoming presidential elections, which mustn’t embrace candidates from the military.
Put up-coup developments in Gabon are eagerly watched in Central Africa and past.
The oil-rich nation joins Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Niger amongst African international locations which have witnessed army coups up to now three years.
However the overthrow in a cold coup has been warmly welcomed by many Gabonese, though many say they’re additionally involved about poverty and unemployment.
“Life is again on monitor, and every thing goes nicely,” stated Jim Bosingwe, a market vendor in Libreville.
“Individuals are not so tense anymore. Individuals be at liberty.”
“We wish to work,” Warren Lengthy stated, including that he needed the federal government to “give us jobs and careers.”
One of many points going through the longer term authorities is the destiny of the Bongo household.
Olegy stated on Tuesday that Bongo, who has been positioned underneath home arrest, is now “free to maneuver round” and journey overseas for medical check-ups “given his well being situation”.
Bongo’s spouse, Silvia, a twin French-Gabonian nationwide, is being “arbitrarily” detained and “held secretly”, in keeping with legal professionals who filed a lawsuit on her behalf in Paris.
Bongo’s son and shut advisor Noureddine Bongo Valentin, his chief of employees Ian Ghislain Ngolo and his deputy, two different presidential advisers and two senior officers of the previously ruling Gabonese Democratic Occasion (DPG) had been arrested.
They’re accused of treason, embezzlement, corruption and forging the signature of the president, amongst different costs.
Tv footage confirmed them of their properties subsequent to baggage and containers stuffed with banknotes.
France Press company
France Press company
France Press company
