Gabon's military leader sworn in following coup in latest African uprising


The leader of Gabon's military junta, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, was sworn in as the country's interim president on Monday. The ceremony came after Nguema seized power in a coup d'etat last week, in the latest usurping of control in African countries.
Nguema, who had led Gabon's presidential guard, took over the government and seized power from President Ali Bongo Ondimba on Aug. 30. The coup came just four days after Ondimba had won a re-election bid that was not considered free or fair. It brought an end to 56 years of Ondimba family rule in Gabon — Ali Bongo Ondimba was first elected in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had led the country continuously since 1967.
Both Ondimba presidencies were marred by allegations of human rights abuses, corruption and unfree elections. Many celebrations broke out across Gabon after Ondimba was deposed, NPR reported, as citizens were "frustrated with widespread corruption allegations involving the country's resources and economic problems." Despite Gabon being an oil-rich nation, more than 30% of its population lives in poverty, and unemployment remains high.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
During a speech at his swearing-in, Nguema said he would form a new government "in a few days," adding that he was "going to give everyone a chance to hope." Outsiders remained skeptical of Nguema's true propensity for change. Despite vowing to hold "free, transparent" elections, Nguema did not give a date for the end of military rule.
Nguema's swearing-in marks the latest transition of power by force in Africa. Recent coups have been seen in Sudan and Niger, as a belt of military-led juntas grows across the continent. Nine coups in former French colonies, Gabon included, have occurred in the past three years.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Israel strikes Iran, killing military and nuclear chiefs
Speed Read Israeli officials said the attack was a 'preemptive' strike on Iran's nuclear program
-
Israel deports Thunberg after seizing Gaza aid boat
speed read The Swedish activist was delivering food and medical aid to Palestine, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis there
-
Colombian senator shot on streets of Bogotá
speed read Miguel Uribe Turbay, who has announced his candidacy for next year's presidential election, was shot at a rally
-
Trump says Putin vowed retaliation for Kyiv strike
speed read The Russian president intends to respond to Ukraine's weekend drone strikes on Moscow's warplanes
-
Dutch government falls over immigration policy
speed read The government collapsed after anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders quit the right-wing coalition
-
South Korea elects liberal Lee as president
speed read Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, was elected president following months of political instability in the wake of Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment
-
Nationalist wins tight Polish presidential election
speed read Karol Nawrocki beat Rafal Trzaskowski in Poland's presidential runoff election
-
Ukraine hits Russia's bomber fleet in stealth drone attack
speed read The operation, which destroyed dozens of warplanes, is the 'biggest blow of the war against Moscow's long-range bomber fleet'