Gabon coup: General Brice Oligui Nguema installed as transitional president. Who is he?
- Soldiers in Gabon appointed the head of the republican guard as country’s new leader
- Close sources describe General Brice Oligui Nguema as charismatic and respected
Held aloft triumphantly by his troops following the announcement of the coup that ended 55 years of rule by the Bongo family, the elite republican guard chief is experienced and popular among his peers.
Gabon’s coup leaders appointed him after toppling President Ali Bongo Ondimba following Saturday’s disputed elections, in which the incumbent was awarded a third term with 64.27 per cent of the vote.
Said to be discreet and secretive, Nguema was absent from the first three statements read out by senior army officers on national television to announce the coup.
But while Bongo was confined to house arrest, he emerged as Africa’s latest military leader amid jubilant celebrations in the streets of the capital Libreville and the economic hub of Port-Gentil.