Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has been officially sworn in as Gabon’s new head of state, just days after the military ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled the country for over five decades. Oligui, a cousin of the former president and head of the republican guard, took the oath in a ceremony attended by government officials, military personnel, and local leaders.

In his address, Oligui emphasized the peaceful nature of the transition of power and pledged to hold free, transparent, and credible elections, promising to give the people of Gabon hope for the future.

The military’s swift action in appointing Oligui and the subsequent swearing-in are aimed at establishing a sense of legitimacy and consolidating his authority. Gabon, an OPEC member with significant oil wealth, faces economic challenges, including high youth unemployment rates.

Gabonese citizens hope for a fresh start after decades of one-party rule, with many accepting a transition period of up to three years to establish a more inclusive government. However, opposition figures argue for a return to constitutional rule.