Col. Brice Nguema 

The Gabonese military junta has introduced Colonel Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the former head of the Republican Guards, as the new leader of the nation, putting an end to the Bongo family's 55-year reign. The military's announcement on August 30th signified the overthrow of Ali Bongo Ondimba, ascribed to concerns over a deteriorating social environment that posed a potential threat of future chaos.

Furthermore, the military junta alleged fraudulent conduct in the presidential election held on August 26th, asserting that the country's electoral commission had inaccurately declared Ali Bongo as the victor with 64.27% of the votes, while the opposition candidate, Ondo Ossa, received 30%. The appointment of Colonel Nguema, who previously held the role of safeguarding the president within the Republican Guards, reflects a decisive shift in the Gabonese military's stance on the ongoing irregularities within the nation.

Notably, Colonel Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema took over the leadership of the Republican Guard in April 2020, succeeding General Grégoire Kouna, a relative of Ali Bongo Ondimba. This recent coup highlights the military's discontent with the persisting issues plaguing the country.

For more than 55 of its 63 years since gaining independence from France in 1960, Gabon had been under the dominion of the same ruling family. Ali Bongo assumed power in 2009 after the passing of his father, Omar, who had ruled for nearly 42 years. Omar Bongo, noted for his lavish lifestyle and significant wealth amassed from the country's oil resources, was often described as a kleptocrat—one of the world's wealthiest individuals.