Gabon Coup Leaders Name Ousted President’s Cousin, Brice Nguema Transitional President
The former head of Gabon’s most powerful security unit, the Gabonese Republican Guard, Brice Nguema has been named transitional president by the coup leaders.
According to a statement read on National television on Wednesday, Nguema was appointed chairman of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions.
“General Brice Oligui Nguema was unanimously appointed chairman of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, President of the Transition,” the statement said following a meeting of all military commanders and chiefs of staff.
Gen. Nguema, the former head of the country’s most powerful security unit, the Gabonese Republican Guard, an independent military formation responsible for protecting government officials and buildings, is reportedly a cousin of deposed President Ali Bongo.
According to the statement, Nguema ordered the restoration of internet services as well as the signals of international radio and television channels in Gabon shortly after taking office.
