The same day he took power, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was keen to make his strategy clear to the French authorities. He claims to want to strengthen relations with Paris.
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General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema |
General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is trying to find a balance between managing the coup in Gabon while remaining diplomatic.
On 30 August, just a few hours after overthrowing his cousin and president, Ali Bongo, the now transitional president was keen to set out his approach to his French partners.
Nguema also held talks with the French ambassador to Gabon, Alexis Lamek, and that embassy’s head of the French external intelligence service (DGSE).
Nguema has guaranteed Bongo’s safety and has also said that the latter will maintain his status as former president.
He also made a point of assuring his French interlocutors that the current situation in Gabon was not linked to Niger’s coup d’état of 26 July, which was led by General Abdourrahmane Tchiani.
Nguema has not, however, shared any details regarding the duration of the planned ‘transition’ period. X/Zagazola