Gabon's New Prime Minister Urges Swift Elections in Two Years, BBC Reports

The newly appointed prime minister of Gabon has stated in an interview with the BBC that the country should organize new elections within the next two years following the recent military coup. Although the junta, which overthrew President Ali Bongo, has promised a fair election, no specific timeline has been provided. Raymond Ndong Sima, the interim prime minister, mentioned that a timetable will be determined in the coming days. He was appointed after General Brice Oligui Nguema led the coup and became Gabon's transitional president. Ali Bongo had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father who ruled for more than four decades. The coup has garnered criticism from Africa and the West, including France. While civilians seem to have welcomed the change with cheers during Gen Nguema's inauguration, some doubt whether his rule will bring a true departure from the past, given his close association with the Bongo regime. Mr. Sima noted that the military has shown restraint and vowed to restore democratic institutions. He also mentioned that it will take time for Gabon to transition away from the previous regime, as the family's influence remains both direct and indirect. Mr. Sima ruled out pursuing a legal case against Ali Bongo, despite calls for him to face trial for corruption allegations. Lastly, it is worth noting that France previously conducted a seven-year investigation into the Bongo family's assets, but the case was dropped in 2017, with the family vehemently denying all allegations. Ali Bongo has been released from house arrest and is free to leave the country for medical check-ups, as he has sought treatment in Morocco in the past.