Ali Bongo, the former President of Gabon who was ousted from power by a military coup last month, has been given permission by the military to leave the country for medical treatment.
The military, responsible for his removal from office, has stated that Bongo is no longer under house arrest, a status he has held since August 30 when he was overthrown shortly after being declared the winner of contentious elections, which would have allowed him to extend his 14-year presidency in the Central African nation.
Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi, the spokesperson for the Gabonese military, made the announcement regarding the former president's freedom during a television broadcast on Wednesday, September 6. He explained, "Given his current health condition, the former President of the Republic, Ali Bongo Ondimba, is now free to move around and may choose to travel abroad for medical examinations."
The transition of power saw General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a cousin of Ali Bongo, assuming the presidency. President Nguema was sworn in on Monday, September 4, and he endorsed the statement that declared Ali Bongo's release. Olugui, the new military leader, shares a family tie with the ousted president and previously served as his father's bodyguard. Additionally, he held a position within the country's elite military unit, the republican guard.
With this latest development, President Bongo now has the option to remain in Gabon or travel abroad for medical treatment as needed.
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