Deposed Gabonese President Ali Bongo Asserts He Did Not Govern Alone

In a revealing interview with Jeune Afrique, former Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was ousted in a coup in August 2023, asserted that he did not rule the country alone. His comments come as Gabon's transitional president, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, prepares for a significant visit to France.

Bongo expressed his frustration over being blamed solely for Gabon's issues, highlighting that many of his current critics were once his collaborators. "I did not run this country alone. Some of those in power today, who vilify me, worked alongside me. Do they have nothing to reproach themselves for? Are the Bongos responsible for all of Gabon's misfortunes? Very well, let's see if they do better," he stated.

Despite his ousting, Bongo remains defiant, maintaining that he won the August 2023 presidential election, which was interrupted by the coup. He attributes his downfall to misplaced trust in his collaborators, who he claims betrayed him.

Bongo also addressed accusations against his family, particularly the allegations of massive embezzlement and grooming his son for succession. He showed no signs of contrition and reiterated his commitment to staying in Gabon, stating, "I am not seeking to return, contrary to what some might think. I will never leave without Sylvia and Noureddin," referring to his imprisoned wife and son.

Meanwhile, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who led the coup against Bongo, is set to visit France for discussions on business and security. This visit is seen as an opportunity for France to strengthen its ties with Gabon and distance itself from the turmoil in other French-speaking African nations.

France's response to the coup in Gabon has been significantly different from its reactions to similar events in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. French officials have highlighted Oligui's commitment to a transition timeline and inclusive national dialogue as reasons for their more conciliatory approach.

As Gabon traverses this transitional period, the international community will be watching closely to see how Oligui's administration addresses the country's challenges and whether it can bring about stability and progress.

Key Takeaways

• Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba denies sole responsibility for country's issues.
• Bongo claims collaborators betrayed him, leading to his downfall in August 2023 coup.
• He defends his family against embezzlement allegations and shows no signs of contrition.
• Gabon's transitional president, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, to visit France for business and security talks.
• France's response to Gabon's coup differs from its reactions to similar events in other African nations.