Gabon’s putschists appoint General Nguema as head of the country

Gabon’s putschists have appointed the head of the Presidential Guard, General Oligui Ngema Brice, to lead the country after the overthrow of President Ali Bongo.

“General Oligui Nguema Brice has been unanimously appointed as president of the Commission for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI),” Colonel Ulrich Manfounbi, spokesman for the coup, said in a statement.

General Brice Oligui Nguema is one of the pillars of the Bongo system security system. Since April 2020, he has led the Republican Guard, the most powerful military unit of the Gabonese armed forces responsible for ensuring the security of the presidency and major state institutions.

Brice Oligui Nguema is the son of a Gabonese army officer. He quickly joined the Republican Guard during the reign of Omar Bongo (1967-2009). He trained in Morocco and joined the Royal Military Academy of Meknes. On his return, he became one of President Omar Bongo’s aides-de-camp. He remained with Omar Bongo until his death in 2009.