Gabon’s putschists say ousted president can go abroad if he wishes

The deposed president of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, is “free to move” and “can go abroad, if he wishes,” Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi, putshists spokesman announced on state television.

Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi was reading a press release “signed” by General Oligui, who now heads the transition.

Ali Bongo, in power for 14 years, had been under house arrest since the military coup of August 30, carried out without bloodshed less than an hour after his camp proclaimed his re-election in a vote described as fraudulent by the putschists.

“Given his state of health, former President of the Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move. He can, if he wishes, go abroad to carry out his medical checks,” the press release continued.