IN an effort to improve international relations and alleviate its isolation following a recent coup, Gabon’s transitional president, General Brice Oligui Nguema, received a show of support from neighbouring Republic of Congo. The meeting between the two leaders on Sunday aimed to mend ties that had been strained during the presidency of Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was overthrown by General Oligui at the end of August.
General Brice Oligui Nguema took control of Gabon shortly after Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared the winner of a presidential election in late August. The election results had been contested by the opposition and military coup leaders, who also accused Ali Bongo’s regime of extensive corruption and poor governance.
During Ali Bongo’s presidency, relations between Gabon and neighbouring Congo had been notably tense. General Oligui’s visit sought to improve these relations and address Gabon’s international isolation in the aftermath of the coup.
‘I have come to consult, to discuss, to exchange with (the president), who for us is a key in the region, who can relay to global authorities what we have done,’ General Oligui stated after holding talks with President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo. He also expressed the intention to ease the sanctions imposed on Gabon and said, ‘We hope to once again take our place among the nations.’
Following the change of government, Gabon faced suspension 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.
Although President Denis Sassou Nguesso did not address reporters after the talks, Congo’s Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso praised General Oligui as ‘a man of humility and reconciliation.’ He called for support for the interim president, not only from Gabonese citizens but also from Congolese and others in Central Africa.
‘We know that there was a change in Libreville,’ Gakosso acknowledged. ‘The main thing is that there was no bloodshed.’ He highlighted the rarity of a regime change occurring without violence.
‘The Congo and Gabon are in reality the same country. We have to work tirelessly [to] have good relations,’ Gakosso emphasised.
This visit marked General Oligui’s second overseas trip since being sworn in as Gabon’s interim president last month. The talks took place near Oyo, in central Congo, where he was welcomed with military honours.
The overthrow of Ali Bongo’s government was perceived by many in Gabon as a liberation rather than a traditional military coup. General Oligui has pledged to organise ‘free, transparent, and credible elections’ to restore civilian rule, although he has not provided a specific timeline for this process.
