The military leader, who ousted President Ali Bongo, has been sworn in among cheering crowds, promising 'times of happiness' and widespread constitutional change.
Mr Nguema described the coup, which ended the Bongo family's 56-year hold on power in the oil-producing country, as a moment of national liberation and a manifestation of God's will.
"When the people are crushed by their leaders … it's the army that gives them back their dignity," he said.Several figures from Mr Bongo's government, including the vice president and prime minister, attended the ceremony.Mr Bongo himself remains under house arrest. Opponents say the Bongo family did too little to share Gabon's oil and mining wealth with the country's 2.3 million people.Mr Nguema reiterated his administration would organise free and fair elections, though he gave no timetable.
"After this transition … we intend to return power to civilians by organising new elections that will be free, transparent, credible and peaceful," he said.Gabon's main opposition group, Alternance 2023, says it is the rightful winner of the August election and has called on the international community to encourage the junta to hand power back to civilians.Reuters
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