Gabon coup: Nguema releases ousted President Bongo

The military junta in Gabon has released ousted President Ali Bongo from house arrest.

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.