Ali Bongo Ondimba, the president of Gabon who was overthrown in a military coup, is now free and permitted to travel abroad, according to a junta spokesperson on Wednesday.
Since the coup in the Central African country in late August, Bongo is reportedly being kept under house arrest.
“Ali Bongo Ondimba, the former president of the Republic, is mobile given his health, General Brice Oligui Nguema’s announcement was read aloud on state television by junta spokeswoman Col Ulrich Manfoumbi, “He may, if he wishes, travel abroad to receive medical examination.” The statement said.
Images of Bongo welcoming Abdou Abarry, Chief of United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, at Bongo’s mansion in the nation’s capital Libreville were also shown on state Television.
Since the revolution, the ousted Gabonese president has not been seen. A video of him pleading with followers to “make noise” after being placed under house arrest soon after he was overthrown.
“These people have detained me,” “I’m in the house and I don’t know what is happening.” He said in the video.
The 64-year old Bongo underwent surgery in Morrocco for several months after experiencing a stroke in 2018.
His ability to serve as president was under scrutiny, leading to a failed coup attempt in 2019.
Since take over from his father, Omar Bongo in 2009, he had been in-charge for 14 years. He ran for re-election in the last polls.
He was declared the winner in what the junta called a “outrageously biased electoral process.”
Before passing away in 2009, Bongo’s father had controlled Gabon for more than 40 years.
