BBC News/Gabon’s military leaders say they have freed deposed President Ali Bongo from house arrest, where he has been since they seized power last week. The army seized power shortly after he had been declared the winner of that election, disputed by the opposition. The announcement to free Mr Bongo follows pressure from regional bloc Eccas and neighbouring countries. In a communique read on state TV on Wednesday evening, military spokesperson Col Ulrich Manfoumbi said the decision to free Mr Bongo was due to “his state of health”. Mr Bongo had been in power in the oil-rich country since 2009, when he succeeded his father who had ruled the country for 41 years.

Source: GNN Liberia September 07, 2023 16:23 UTC