CITIZENS COMPASS —THE Gabon coup leaders on Thursday, August 31, 2023, said that the country’s new strongman, General Brice Nguema, would be sworn in as ‘transitional president’ on Monday, September 4, 2023, at the constitutional court.

The spokesman, Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, Ulrich Manfoumbi, on state TV said Nguema would “phase in transitional institutions.”

The announcement came a day after rebel officers overthrew President Ali Bongo.

No details were given on the duration of the transitional institutions.

All general secretaries, ministerial offices, director generals and officials of state services have been instructed “to ensure in the immediate future the effective resumption of work and continuity of the functioning of all public services”, the spokesman said.

Gabon will also respect all its commitments at home and abroad, the army chiefs pledged.

The spokesman said Nguema “would like to reassure all donors, development partners as well as state creditors that all provisions will be taken to guarantee respect for our country’s commitments both externally and internally.”