We’ll restore democracy soon, says Gabon coup leader
The leader of the military junta in Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has hinted on the possibility of returning the country back to democratic governance.
He said the take over power on Wednesday was only temporal but Gen Nguema’s position is yet to be backed as no timelines for fresh election has been given.
READ ALSO: Gabon coup leaders name General Brice Oligui Nguema as transitional president
Gen Nguema in a nationwide address Friday evening said the military would move “quickly but surely” so to avoid elections that “repeat the same mistakes” by keeping the same people in power.
“Going as quickly as possible does not mean organising ad hoc elections, where we will end up with the same errors,” he said.
While the military is still in the euphoria of overthrowing President Ali Bongo, the country’s main opposition group, Alternance 2023, which says it is the rightful winner of Saturday’s election, urged the international community on Friday to encourage a return to civilian rule.
“We were happy that Ali Bongo was overthrown but. We hope that the international community will stand up in favour of the Republic and the democratic order in Gabon by asking the military to give back the power to the civilians,” Alexandra Pangha, a spokesperson for Alternance 2023 leader Albert Ondo Ossa, told the BBC.
She condemned the move for Gen Nguema who will be sworn in on Monday as transitional president.
Recall on Wednesday, about 12 soldiers appeared on national television announced that the military has taken over power cancelling last Saturday’s election where ousted President Bongo was declared winner after securing two-thirds of the votes cast.