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.
On Thursday, the National Assembly and the Gabonese Senate met in Congress to revise the country s constitution, reducing the term of office of the President of the Republic from seven to five years, and the election from two to one round. A change denounced by part of the opposition.