Gabon‘s military junta leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, has been sworn in as the country’s interim president.
Nguema, the head of the country’s presidential guard, led a group of soldiers to depose President Ali Bongo last Wednesday.
This happened following a contentious election.
The military officers justified the coup by citing institutional, political, economic, and social crises.
The military had announced the overthrow of the government and the dissolution of state institutions and closed the country’s borders.
However, they have since reopened the borders. They cited concerns about preserving the rule of law, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries, and honouring international commitments.
While the opposition thanked the army for standing up to what it called a “electoral coup,” it is now urging the junta to complete the ballot counting and declare Ossa the “rightful winner.”
The junta has made no mention of returning to civilian rule.