By Oluwayanmife Ayobami
Ali Bongo Ondimba, the recently deposed President of Gabon, has been released from house arrest by the military junta that toppled his government just eight days ago.
The military leaders who now control the Central African nation have granted Bongo the freedom to leave the country for essential medical treatment.
The dramatic political upheaval unfolded on the same day that the electoral authority announced Bongo’s controversial re-election to a third term in office.
READ ALSO: 20 Things we do not know about Gabon coup
Bongo is free because of his health
General Brice Nguema, a key figure in the coup, was subsequently sworn in as interim president.
Notably, General Nguema is not only Ali Bongo’s cousin but also previously served as a bodyguard to Bongo’s late father and headed the nation’s elite military unit, the republican guard.
The announcement of Ali Bongo’s release from house arrest was made via a statement signed by General Nguema himself.
“Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic, Ali Bongo Ondimba, is free to move about,” declared Ulrich Manfoumbi, the military spokesperson, during a televised address on Wednesday evening.
Manfoumbi went on to state, “He may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical checkups.”
READ ALSO: JUST-IN: Brice Nguema is Gabonese new leader, removes Ali Bongo
I’ve been arrested, help me: President of Gabon Ali Bongo cries out for help
Meanwhile, A video has emerged on social media featuring Ali Bongo, the ousted President of Gabon, urgently appealing to his international allies for assistance following a recent coup.
In the 51-second clip, Bongo verified his arrest and separation from his family, revealing that they were being held at a different location.
Dressed in an ornate blue kaftan, Bongo identified himself as the President of Gabon and implored friends worldwide to raise awareness by making noise.
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