Title: Frédéric Bongo, half-brother of the deposed president, removed from the Gabonese army
Introduction :
In a new episode of the political crisis in Gabon, Frédéric Bongo, half-brother of the deposed president, was recently removed from the army and the Republican Guard. This decision, announced by the president of the transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, raises many questions. In this article, we will look at the reasons for this removal, the background of Lieutenant-Colonel Bongo as well as the consequences that this could have on the Gabonese political scene.
A heavy reason for radiation:
According to the decree published by the Ministry of Defense led by General Oligui Nguema himself, Frédéric Bongo allegedly committed several serious offenses. Among the reasons given, we find faults against honor, probity and general duties, faults against military discipline, as well as breaches of the rules for the execution of services. These accusations suggest that the lieutenant-colonel would have seriously deviated from his obligations as a member of the Gabonese army.
Compromising history:
It should be noted that this radiation is not the first for Frédéric Bongo. Indeed, in March 2022, he had already been targeted by a similar measure, but it had not been ratified by his half-brother, then President of the Republic. It is only now, with the transitional president at the head of the country, that the decision to remove him has been taken. Frédéric Bongo’s troubles began after Ali Bongo’s stroke in October 2018, when he was dismissed from his post as Director General of Special Services. He was then appointed defense attaché at the Gabonese embassy in South Africa, but never held this position.
Links and political implications:
Frédéric Bongo is known to be close to Israel and French services, which has fueled speculation about his influence and power within the Gabonese presidency. His reintegration into the presidential palace would have been made possible thanks to his nephew, Noureddin Bongo, who seems to have remained faithful to him despite the political ups and downs. The removal of Frédéric Bongo can therefore be interpreted as a sign of political cleansing, aimed at eliminating people with alleged links with foreign powers and consolidating the power of the new president.
Conclusion :
The removal of Frédéric Bongo from Gabon’s military personnel raises many questions about the real motives behind this decision, as well as the political implications that result from it. With the country still experiencing political uncertainty, it is difficult to predict what impact this delisting will have on Gabon’s stability. Only time will tell whether this measure will help restore order and confidence within the Gabonese army.