Gabon Military Says Deposed President Is Free to Travel Overseas
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Ali Bongo Ondimba, who ruled Gabon for over a decade, was ousted in a military coup in late August. He is now free to leave the country after initially being placed under house arrest.
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The coup was led by Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, Bongo's cousin, who has been sworn in as Gabon's new leader. He has promised to hold elections but not given a timeline.
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Bongo's family had ruled Gabon for over 50 years. His father Omar Bongo ruled for more than 4 decades before Ali took over in 2009.
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The coup came just hours after Bongo was re-elected in a disputed election. It was welcomed by many civilians hoping for change after years of poverty and unemployment under the Bongos.
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The UN and African Union condemned the coup but some pointed to the irregularities in Bongo's re-election. The military has detained his family members and advisers on corruption charges.