Gabon Junta Leaders Release Bongo From House Arrest

Gabon military leaders have freed deposed President Ali Bongo from house arrest, where he has been since they seized power last week Wednesday.

The junta also gave Bongo permission to travel abroad for medical check-ups.

The removed Gabon president had suffered a stroke in 2018 and his health was a major source of concern for many in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

Shortly after the coup, Bongo managed to release a video calling on supporters around the world to “make noise”.

The military seized power shortly after he was declared the winner of that election, disputed by the opposition.

The country’s military spokesperson, Col Ulrich Manfoumbi announced Bongo’s freedom in a statement on state TV on Wednesday evening.

Manfoumbi said the decision to free Bongo was due to “his state of health”, adding that, “he may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical check-ups,” he added.

Bongo had been in power in the oil-rich country since 2009, when he succeeded his father who had ruled the country for 41 years.

The leader of the coup d’etat in Gabon, General Brice Oligui was sworn-in as the country’s interim president on Monday.

He promised to return the country to civilian rule after a free and fair election but did not give a timeline for the process.

The coup has been widely condemned in Africa and the West, including France, the former colonial power which had close ties with the Bongo family. Gabon has been suspended from the African Union.

The military government had earlier released other political prisoners, including pro-democracy activist and leader of the most powerful trade union confederation, Jean Rémi Yama.