The coup, which unfolded last week, was described as “bloodless” by General Oligui, with no reported casualties. The military coup leaders swiftly dissolved the nation’s institutions, nullified the election results, and temporarily closed the country’s borders, later opting to reopen them.
General Oligui has pledged to organise “free, transparent, credible and peaceful elections” but has not specified a timeline, emphasising the need for a new constitution to be adopted via referendum first. He also promised the establishment of more democratic institutions that respect human rights, albeit “without haste.”
While a faction of the former opposition is urging Oligui to transfer power, many Gabonese citizens have expressed satisfaction at the overthrow of the Bongo dynasty, leading to celebratory gatherings in the streets of Libreville and Port-Gentil, the nation’s economic hub.
