Gabon’s transitional president, General Brice Oligui Nguema, announced on Thursday that he had appointed Raymond Ndong Sima, an economist and vocal opponent of President Ali Bongo, who was overthrown by the military a week ago. The decree, which confirmed this appointment, was read out on state television.
Ndong Sima, aged 68, previously served as Prime Minister under President Bongo from 2012 to 2014. However, he distanced himself from the administration, consistently criticising its governance. His critique reached the point where he ran against the head of state in both the 2016 and 2023 presidential elections.
General Oligui, the leader of the coup d’état that took place on August 30 against Ali Bongo, who had recently been declared the winner of a disputed election by the military, was inaugurated as the President of the transitional period earlier this week. The duration of this transitional period was not specified, but General Oligui promised that it would culminate in “free elections.”
Furthermore, General Oligui also disclosed the formation of a transitional government on Monday. This government will include individuals from diverse political backgrounds and perspectives, reflecting a broad spectrum of the country’s political landscape.