Gen Ngeuma, Leader of the Gabon Coup, Revered as a Figure Resembling Moses

Selling mobile phone accessories in a small open-air shop in Gabon's capital Libreville, Doles Gabriel sees coup leader General Brice Oligui Ngeuma as a Moses-like figure who has freed the nation from President Ali Bongo. Gabriel compares the situation to Moses being educated in the house of Pharaoh before leading the people of Egypt out of slavery. The Bongo family has ruled Gabon with an iron fist for most of the time since the country gained independence from France in 1960. Omar Bongo was president from 1967 until his death in 2009, after which his son Ali Bongo took over. However, last month, General Ngeuma overthrew Ali Bongo in a "palace coup." General Ngeuma, who was close to the Bongos, had been appointed head of the elite Republican Guard and was tasked with Ali Bongo's security. However, after the disputed election, General Ngeuma seized power, stating that Ali Bongo should not have run for re-election. Many people in Gabon support the general, believing he will conduct a credible election and bring positive changes to the country. But some opposition members are afraid to express their doubts about the coup, fearing repression. Although General Ngeuma has released some pro-democracy activists and trade unionists from prison, he has not given a timeline for the restoration of civilian rule. The fear is that he plans to hang on to power, returning Gabon to square one. The general has taken a conciliatory approach towards Ali Bongo, stating that he is free to go abroad. However, Ali Bongo has not taken up this offer and remains at his private residence in Libreville. The military has arrested three individuals close to the Bongos on various charges, including financial embezzlement, marijuana trafficking, and forging the ex-president's signature. There are calls from the public to charge Ali Bongo with corruption, although the new authorities have not yet indicated whether they will proceed with this. Gabon has significant potential but has been held back by bad policies. Foreign companies in the oil and timber sectors do not employ many Gabonese experts, and other sectors remain underdeveloped. Gabon has longstanding ties with France, but anti-French sentiments exist in some areas, with French-owned businesses being targeted in the past. The junta has not indicated whether it will lift the ban on anti-French protests. Unlike other former French colonies, Gabon has not seen any anti-French protests since the coup, but there are calls for the French to leave the country. While the military junta plans to strengthen ties with other countries, France remains the most valued partner due to its historical relationship with Gabon. The junta's priority is to improve living conditions and hold credible elections to retain the population's trust. The junta is optimistic about the future and promises a peaceful and positive outlook.