Gabonese Citizens Jubilant as Bongo’s 53-Year Dynasty Falls in Coup
To mark the end of President Ali Bongo and the family’s 53-year rule over the country, thousands of Gabonese went to Libreville, the country’s capital.
On Wednesday, there was a wild celebration as a number of senior military officers claimed to have taken charge.
The news that another junta had overthrown the government in Africa was announced to the world on Wednesday morning.
The father of Bongo, who was fired, was the late President Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for nearly 42 years, from 1967 until his death in 2009.
He started to rule after his father’s death. He just started his third term in power after winning a presidential election with a two-thirds majority.
Yet, when the mutinous military put Bong under house arrest, the citizens of the oil-rich Central African country rejoiced.
As soon as the election results were declared, gunfire was reported in the downtown area of Libreville.
Eventually, a dozen uniformed soldiers made a nationwide televised announcement proclaiming their seizure of power.
Critics assert that the 2.3 million residents of Gabon have not received any of the oil and mineral wealth of the country throughout the Bongo family’s more than 50 years of power.
According to Al Jazeera, hundreds of people cheered in the streets as Bongo’s rule came to an end, including shopkeeper Viviane Mbou, who gave the soldiers juice, which they declined.
Jordy Dikaba, a young man strolling behind him, yelled, “Long live our army.”
“I’m happy today, therefore I’m marching. The Bongos are no longer in control after nearly 60 years, declares Jules Lebigui, a 27-year-old unemployed participant in the street celebrations in Libreville.
Due to the extensive military takeovers throughout the Sahel, the West and the rest of the world denounced the coup.
The transitional leader is named General Brice Oligui Nguema.
According to troops who appeared on national media, the Gabon junta has chosen General Brice Oligui Nguema to supervise the transition.
