Gabon’s military junta has released the deposed President Ali Bongo, who had been under house arrest since the late August coup.
The junta spokesperson, Col. Ulrich Manfoumbi, announced on state television that Ali Bongo is now free to move around and can travel abroad for medical check-ups due to his health condition.
Images released by the junta showed Bongo greeting Abdou Abarry, the head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, at his residence in Libreville.
Ali Bongo, who suffered a stroke in 2018, had been in power for 14 years and sought another term in the recent disputed elections.
The release of Ali Bongo follows weeks of political unrest in Gabon, where the military took control and detained him. His health had raised concerns about his fitness to continue as president, especially after suffering a stroke in 2018.
This development marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Gabon, and the country will be closely watched as it navigates this transition.
