Rabat – Gabon has officially reopened its borders, just three days after the nation was thrown into turmoil by a military coup that ousted long-standing President Ali Bongo Ondimba, according to a report from Reuters.
The coup, which took place on August 30, 2023, saw the country’s military officers, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, seize power, detain President Bongo under house arrest, and install General Nguema as the new head of state.
The abrupt change in leadership ended the Bongo family’s astonishing 56-year grip on power in the Central African nation.
The coup marks the eighth one that took place over the past three years in Africa, casting a shadow over the region’s prospects for political stability.
The international community has been quick to condemn the coup, with various nations and organizations pressuring the coup leaders to swiftly restore civilian government and democratic processes.
The junta leaders, however, indicated last night that they would not hastily organize elections.
The decision to reopen land, sea, and air borders was announced by the army spokesman on national television. He explained that the junta’s primary motivation was “concerned with preserving respect for the rule of law, good relations with our neighbors, and all states of the world.”
The junta further expressed its commitment to maintaining Gabon’s “international commitments” amid the ongoing crisis.
President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was elected in 2009, succeeded his late father Omar, who had been in power since 1967.
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