Brice Nguema, the head of Gabon’s military junta, has officially taken the oath as the country’s interim president.
General Nguema orchestrated a coup last Wednesday, removing Ali Bongo from power shortly after Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election.
During his inauguration, General Nguema received warm cheers from a crowd of civilians, indicating some level of support for the military’s actions. However, concerns linger that General Nguema’s rule might simply extend the 55-year-long Bongo dynasty.
The Bongo family’s reign began with Ali Bongo’s father, Omar, who held power for 41 years until his passing in 2009, after which his son succeeded him.
Interestingly, General Nguema spent most of his career within the inner circle of the Bongo family and is even rumored to be a cousin of Ali Bongo.
The inauguration ceremony, which was held at Gabon’s presidential palace in Libreville, featured a military parade. Supporters of the new military leadership attended, along with some former ministers from the ousted government who faced criticism from junta sympathizers.