Gabon’s Interim President, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who assumed power after the August overthrow of the country’s former leader, received a show of support from the neighboring Republic of Congo on Sunday during his meeting with President Denis Sassou Nguesso. This meeting aimed to enhance relations and alleviate Gabon’s isolation on the international stage.
General Nguema came to power by ousting Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled Gabon since 2009, shortly after he was declared the winner of a presidential election in late August. The election was marred by allegations of fraud from the opposition and military coup leaders, who also accused Bongo’s regime of corruption and poor governance. During Ali Bongo’s presidency, relations between Gabon and neighboring Congo had been notably strained.
General Nguema’s visit aimed to mend ties and address Gabon’s international isolation following the coup. He stated, “I have come to consult, to discuss, to exchange with [the president], who for us is a key figure in the region, who can convey to global authorities what we have accomplished. It is also to ease the sanctions… we hope to once again take our place among the nations.”
After the change in government, Gabon was suspended from the African Union and the Economic Community of Central Africa States (ECCAS). ECCAS also ordered the immediate relocation of its headquarters from Gabon’s Libreville to Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.
While President Denis Sassou Nguesso did not address reporters after the talks, his Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso praised General Nguema as “a man of humility and reconciliation” and called for support from Gabonese, Congolese, and Central African brothers.
The visit marked General Nguema’s second overseas trip since being sworn in as Gabon’s interim president last month. He has pledged to organize “free, transparent, and credible elections” to restore civilian rule but has not provided a specific timeline. Many in Gabon saw the overthrow of Ali Bongo as a liberation rather than a military coup.