The coup in Gabon is unacceptable, says FG

Nigeria demanded on Monday that Gabon immediately return to its democratic constitutional framework.General Brice Nguema of Gabon, who oversaw the revolution that overthrew the Bongo dynasty’s 55-year rule, took office as acting president on Monday.

In addition to promising to hold elections during an as-yet-unspecified transition phase, Oligui declared, “I swear before God and the Gabonese people to faithfully preserve the republican regime.

“However, Nigeria claimed in a statement signed by Francisca Omayuli, the spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that coups d’état actually make situations worse rather than better.Additionally, it declared that the coup in Gabon was unacceptable and reaffirmed its commitment to working with other democratically elected countries in Africa to impose sanctions on those who carry out unlawful political changes.

The statement said, “The Republic of Gabon’s political developments have drawn the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which has been concerned about them since the August 30, 2023, coup d’état that overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s administration.

“With no indication of a transition programme in place, the inauguration of Gen. Brice Olingui Nguema, Commandant In-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, as Chairman of the Ruling Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions on Monday, September 4, 2023, only serves to fan the embers of growing discontent among the country’s political class.

“Nigeria thus joins the rest of the world in demanding the prompt restoration of democratic constitutional order, which will help quell oppositional voices and win back the electorate’s confidence. Coups d’etat don’t solve issues; instead, they just make them worse.

Therefore, the coup in Gabon is one coup too many in Africa, and it is unacceptable at a time when the continent is striving to unite around democracy and democratic ideals in order to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations for 2030.

“Until democracy is given the chance to thrive in every African country for the good of its peoples, the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to working with other democratically elected governments in Africa to sanction perpetrators of unconstitutional change of government in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.”