Gabon / The coup in Gabon: The troubling links between General Brice Oligui Nguema and France
General Brice Oligui Nguema, a businessman with properties in the United States, France and London, held various key positions in the Gabonese government, including as aide-de-camp to Ali Bongo’s father for many years, then as head of the Republican Guard, before himself becoming a player in the coup, apparently with French approval.
Contrast in the reaction of the Western authorities, the Western media and the French government to this coup d’état in Gabon, which they would have described as «good» because it was in defence of their interests.
On the other hand, the changes of power in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger to defend the interests of the people are described as «bad» coups d’état.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, who has led the Republican Guard since 2020, is a staunch ally of France and appears to be closely linked to it.
This coup is said to have been orchestrated to serve France’s interests by pulling the rug out from under local patriots.
The general was recently received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. Was he there to take orders?
France is said to have played an active role in this coup d’état in order to avoid a situation similar to that prevailing in the Sahel, where it has lost its influence in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, with the aim of maintaining control over this oil-rich emirate.
Macron reportedly even asked Ali Bongo to make Gabon the main base for fighting against these countries.
However, Ali Bongo is said to have refused, leading France to choose a new player, in this case General Brice Oligui Nguema, to fill this role.
France may seek to keep this new leader in power for as long as possible to serve its own interests.
Jean-Robert Ntchandy
