Central African regional bloc, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), has announced the suspension of Gabon’s membership.
This came after General Oligui Nguema was sworn in as transitional president on Monday, consolidating his grip on power.
Nguema led a coup last week that ousted Ali Bongo, who was declared winner of a controversial third term as president.
President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who presided over the gathering of Central African leaders, expressed concerns about Gabon’s impact on regional peace, security and stability.
Mbasogo, now 81 years old, has been at the helm of Equatorial Guinea since 1979. Much like Ali Bongo’s family in Gabon, the Obiang Nguema family has faced allegations of massive embezzlement of state resources and harsh repression of political opposition.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, warned potential coup plotters not to threaten the southern African nation’s democratic rule and stability.
“To colleagues that think we are timid by being kind and that they can break the laws and entertain thoughts of illegal takeover of government, including undemocratic coup d’état, we are coming for you,” he said.
In a related development, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, faulted recent incidences of military intervention in West and Central African countries, stressing that the military has no role to play in governance.
Gbadebo, a retired military officer, said this while reacting to the coup in Niger Republic and Gabon, during an interactive session with newsmen, as part of activities marking his 80th birthday celebration, scheduled to start on Friday, September 8, 2023.
