02/10/2023
Gabon’s new leader was welcomed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo upon his arrival at Ollombo International Airport on Sunday, October 1. Subsequently, he held a meeting with President Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Oligui expressed that the visit was intended to enhance diplomatic relations and alleviate international isolation of the Gabon following the coup. He stated, “I have arrived here for consultations, discussions, and exchanges with the president, who holds a pivotal role in the region and can convey our actions to the global authorities”. This statement was made after Oligui held discussions with Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso near Oyo, located in central Congo.
Furthermore, Oligui emphasised the goal of easing sanctions and expressed optimism about re-establishing the standing of Gabon among the community of nations. Gabon had faced suspension from both the African Union and the Economic Community of Central Africa States (ECCAS) following the change in government. ECCAS ordered the immediate relocation of its headquarters from Gabon’s Libreville to the capital of Equatorial Guinea, Malabo. While President Sassou Nguesso did not address the media after the talks, his Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso praised Oligui as “a man of humility and reconciliation”. He urged support for Oligui from not only the Gabonese but also the Congolese and other Central African nations. Gakosso acknowledged the change in government in Libreville and stressed that the absence of bloodshed was a noteworthy aspect of this forceful regime transition. He emphasized the close ties between Congo and Gabon, suggesting that continuous efforts to foster good relations were essential.
The interim president of Gabon, who assumed power by ousting the former leader of the central African nation in late August, received a display of solidarity from the neighbouring Republic of Congo on Sunday, following his meeting with his counterpart. The primary aim of this meeting was to enhance diplomatic relations and alleviate the international isolation of Gabon.
General Brice Oligui Nguema overthrew Ali Bongo Ondimba, aged 64, who had been in power in Gabon since 2009, shortly after being declared the winner in a presidential election in late August. This election outcome was strongly contested by the opposition and the leaders of the military coup, who also accused the administration of Ali Bongo “corruption and poor governance”. Throughout Ali Bongo’s presidency, relations between Gabon and neighbouring Congo were characterised by notable tension.
This visit marked General Oligui’s second overseas trip since his inauguration as interim president of Gabon last month. Many in Gabon viewed Ali Bongo’s removal as an act of liberation rather than a military coup. General Oligui has pledged to organise “free, transparent, and credible elections” in order to reinstate civilian rule but has not provided a specific timeline for this process.