Gabon’s Deposed President Ali Bongo Freed from House Arrest, Permitted to Leave Country, Announces Junta

Ali Bongo Ondimba, the ousted former president of Gabon has been granted permission from house arrest and is free to travel abroad for medical treatment. Bongo was placed under house arrest following the military coup on August 30, which occurred shortly after he was announced the victor in the country’s highly controversial elections. 

The Gabon coup led to the overthrow of his government, interrupting Bongo’s proposed 14-year tenure as president.

Bongo freed on medical assertions

Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi, Gabon military spokesperson said in a statement days after the coup read on national television on Wednesday evening that as a result of the former president’s state of health, he may have to leave Gabon to cater for his health.

Manfoumbi said, “Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move about. He may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical checkups.”  

The declaration confirming Bongo’s liberation from the coup that led to his house arrest was endorsed by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who took the oath of office as Gabon’s new head of state this past Monday.

According to reports, Bongo now has the option to leave Gabon if he decides to do so. This was because he suffered a stroke five years ago and has not had access to his own doctors. 

While Bongo may be free, the situation for his family remains complicated. His wife and son Noureddin are detained on the fourth floor of the presidential palace, facing accusations of high treason. Additionally, the country’s new leader, Oluigui, has stated that they will be brought to justice for allegedly embezzling funds from the state treasury.

What to note about Oligui Nguema

Oligui is a cousin of Bongo, had served as a bodyguard to Bongo’s late father, and also headed the country’s republican guard, an elite military unit.

After his swearing-in ceremony at the presidential palace on Monday, Oligui started a coup and declared that the military had assumed control of the nation without resorting to violence. He also committed to handing back power to the populace through the arrangement of free and trustworthy elections. While the move has been met with approval from the local population in Gabon, it has elicited disapproval from both the African Union and the international community at large.