A palace putsch fired by anger over a disputed election ends Ali Ben Bongo s rule but not the old elite s influence, The speed at which General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who is due to be sworn in as transitional president on 4 September, has consolidated power suggests his putsch against President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba in the early hours of 30 August had been well prepared among a few senior officers and politicians, many nursing personal grievances against the regime.