Gabon’s transitional president officially takes Oath into office

General Brice Nguema who led the coup that toppled President Ali Bongo has been sworn in as interim President of Gabon on Monday September 4, 2023.

His inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Palace was cheered by jubilant supporters who see the military as their liberators from the Bongos who have ruled Gabon for 56 years at their detriment.

Nguema was sworn in by a panel of constitutional court judges. Armoured personnel carriers fired shots into the sea to mark the historic moment.

Now President, Brice Nguema in his address speech, proposed reforms including a new constitution to be adopted by referendum, new electoral and penal codes, and measures to prioritise local banks and companies for economic development.

The Transitional President also said all politicians on exile would be welcomed back and political prisoners freed.

President Brice Nguema described the coup, which ended the Bongo’s 56-year reign as a moment of national liberation and a manifestation of God’s will.

“When citizens are oppressed by their leaders, it is only the army that gives them back their dignity. People of Gabon, today the times of happiness that our ancestors dreamt of are finally coming.” Brice Nguema said

It however uncertain for how long he will be in power as some political leaders demanded return to civilian rule.

While addressing this, Nguema reiterated his administration would organise free and fair elections, though he did not say when.

“We intend to return power to civilians by organising new elections that will be free, transparent, credible and peaceful, after this transition” he said.

Brice Nguema had said on Friday on State television that the junta would proceed “quickly but surely,” but cautioned that too much haste could lead to mistakes, elections that lack credibility, which with see same people like Ali Bongo coming to power plunging Gabonese in same misery.

It should be noted that Several figures from Ali Bongo’s government, including the Vice President and Prime Minister, attended the swearing in ceremony of Brice Nguema.

Bongo himself, still under house arrest followed how power was being vested on his top army general, Brice Nguema.