Gabon military coupists release ousted president, Ali Bongo
In a significant development, the leader of the coup that ousted Gabon’s former president, Ali Bongo, has announced that Bongo is now free to leave the country and travel abroad. General Brice Oligui Nguema made the statement on state television, declaring that Bongo has the freedom of movement if he wishes to travel.
Ali Bongo, who had been in power for 14 years, had been under house arrest since the military coup on August 30. The coup occurred shortly after his party declared his re-election in a vote that the coup leaders deemed fraudulent. The overthrow, fortunately, took place without any bloodshed.
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Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, reading a press release signed by Oligui, further clarified that due to Bongo’s health condition, he now has the freedom to travel abroad for medical check-ups. Bongo suffered a severe stroke in October 2018, leaving him physically impaired, particularly affecting his right leg and arm’s mobility.
This latest development offers a potential shift in Bongo’s circumstances, allowing him to seek medical treatment abroad and potentially participate in international affairs. The situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored for any further developments.