In the wake of the recent military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo in Gabon, neighboring countries Cameroon and Rwanda have taken steps to adjust their military leadership structures.
The coup, which unfolded on Tuesday night, sent shockwaves globally and prompted strong condemnation from international bodies such as the United Nations and the African Union.
This event marked the latest in a series of military coups that have seen democratically elected leaders displaced from power across countries including Niger Republic, Mali, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame reportedly approved the retirement of several Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) generals, including Gen. James Kabarebe, who held the position of Senior Presidential Advisor on security matters. This move by Kagame signals a restructuring of the military hierarchy.
Similarly, in Cameroon, President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1975, reshuffled the military by making new appointments.
An official document, communicated in French – the official language of Cameroon – detailing these changes was shared on social media platform X app (Twitter).
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As the situation in Gabon continues to unfold, reports have emerged suggesting that the military junta in Gabon has released Sylvia Bongo, the wife of ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
The First Lady was reportedly released from house arrest, although the fate of other members of the first family remains unconfirmed.
On Wednesday, Ali Bongo Ondimba, the former President, released a video while in captivity, appealing to individuals and friends to raise awareness about his situation.
Meanwhile, Ali Bongo Ondimba’s son and close adviser, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, were detained for “treason” and placed under house arrest.
Other high-ranking officials from the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) were also reportedly arrested on charges including treason, theft, corruption, and forgery of the president’s signature.
The coup started on Wednesday, shortly after Ali Bongo Ondimba had been declared the winner of the elections held on Saturday, an election said to be marred by fraud.
Military officers then declared they had taken control, ending Bongo’s 14-year rule.