Ali Bongo has been granted release from his house arrest by the military junta in Gabon.
This came eight days following his removal from the presidency.
The newly established military leadership in the Central African nation has confirmed that Bongo is permitted to depart the country for medical treatment.
Bongo’s ousting coincided with the announcement of his third-term re-election by the electoral commission.
Nguema, who is Bongo’s cousin, had previously served as a bodyguard to Bongo’s late father. He also led the country’s elite republican guard.
The statement confirming Bongo’s release from house arrest was signed by Nguema.
“Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move about,” Ulrich Manfoumbi, the military spokesperson, said in the statement read on national television on Wednesday evening.
“He may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical checkups.”
Bongo assumed the presidency following the death of his father, Omar, who had ruled from 1967 to 2009.
Currently, the military has not unveiled a plan for transitioning to civilian rule.
