Ousted President Ali Bongo has been releasedfrom house arrest by the military junta in Gabon.
The new military regime in Gabon said the democratically elected President is free to leave the country for medical treatment.
The Government of Bongo was toppled following the announcement by the country’s electoral umpire that he had been re-elected for a third term in office.
Leader of the coup, Brice Nguema, an army general, was sworn in as interim president.
Nguema is Bongo’s cousin, and served as a bodyguard to Bongo’s late father.
He was also the head of the country’s elite military unit, the republican guard.
A statement signed by Nguema, announced Bongo’s release from house arrest.
“Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic, Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move about,” Ulrich Manfoumbi, the military spokesperson said in the statement.
“He may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical checkups,” he added.
The new leader had pledged that Gabonse will have the chance to hope under his regime, promising a free and fair election.
Nguema made the speech after his swearing-in, noting that his government is “made up of experienced people.”
“With the new government, made up of experienced people, we’re going to give everyone a chance to hope,” Nguema said.
He also pledged to preserve the achievements of democracy, free and fair elections, and amnesty for prisoners of conscience in the country, but failed to specify when his regime would restore civilian rule in the country.