Situation in Gabon

Gabon's Interim Government Unveils New Cabinet, Picks First Female Defense Chief

© AFP 2023 WILFRIED MBINAHGabon's Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima speaks during the opening session of the New York Forum Africa in Libreville on June 8, 2012.
Gabon's Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima speaks during the opening session of the New York Forum Africa in Libreville on June 8, 2012. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 10.09.2023
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On Thursday, Gabon's military rulers appointed Raymond Ndong Sima, a prominent opponent of ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, as interim prime minister following the country's August 30 coup.
Gabon's transitional government, which took power in a military coup last month, announced a new cabinet on Saturday, making history by naming a woman as defense minister for the first time.
General Brigitte Onganoa, a veteran officer who served under former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, will head the defense ministry, a key position for the country's security and stability.
Other notable appointments include Regis Onanga Ndiaye as foreign minister, Mays Mouissim as economy minister, Paul-Marie Gondjout as justice minister and government spokesman, and Hermann Immongault as security minister.
The new cabinet also includes Lieutenant Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi as communications minister and spokesman for the so-called Committee of Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), formed by military leaders after the coup.

The interim cabinet also includes some ministers from the previous government, which was dissolved by the coup.

Camellia Ntoutoume Leclercq retained the portfolio of Minister of National Education. Hermann Immongault, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed Minister Delegate to the Presidency of the Transition, in charge of the Interior and Security.
Interim President of Gabon General Brice Oligui Nguema after the parade - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 08.09.2023
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In addition, Raphael Ngazouze, former Minister of Vocational Training under Bongo, is now Minister of the Public Service.
Transition Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima, a former prime minister and ally of Bongo who joined the opposition in 2018, issued a statement saying the new cabinet reflects the diversity and competence of the Gabonese people.
The military seized power on August 30, saying it was acting to end more than 50 years of Bongo family rule and restore democracy in Gabon. The 64-year-old president has led the country since 2009, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who ruled Gabon for more than four decades.
The coup leaders placed Bongo under house arrest (later releasing him due to poor health) and declared General Brice Oligui Nguema, the former commander of the Republican Guard, interim president.
The coup came shortly after Bongo was declared the winner of the presidential election, which was deemed rigged by the military.
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