In Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba on Wednesday August 30, is taking power. After meeting the employers, “the living forces of the nation” and the diplomatic corps, he must take the oath on Monday September 4 as “Transitional President”.
In this context, the opposition is trying to defend the victory it claims in the presidential election organized on August 26. Candidate of the Alternance 2023 platform, Albert Ondo Ossa, 69, intends that his election be recognized and that the military cede power to him. The world reached him by phone, Friday 1er September, while he was at his residence in Libreville.
You congratulated the army for overthrowing Ali Bongo Ondimba. What are you asking him today?
I ask him to bring back the republican and constitutional order. The electoral process must go to the end and the results must be given which will allow me to become the legitimate president and then the legal president once they have been validated by the Constitutional Court.
Do you have any doubts about your victory?
I have no doubts about my victory. Everyone has the results, including the diplomatic missions.
Do you consider yourself the future elected president of Gabon?
Let’s not go too fast. Today I am a candidate who is the favorite because of the results I have. For me to be the President of the Republic, the institutions concerned must make the law.
But General Brice Oligui Nguema has already made it known that he will be sworn in on Monday after the general elections were cancelled. Haven’t you been overtaken by the army, especially since part of civil society and the political class are pleading for a transition?
It’s about the Republic, the recovery of our country and not a race. You have to take the time you need and do everything you can to get General Oligui Nguema to hand over power to me. There are enough wise men in Gabon likely to act as interfaces for us to get there. There are also principles of international law that must absolutely be respected. Otherwise, Gabon would be isolated and could not survive. There is no doubt that we must return to reason.
Were you able to speak with General Oligui Nguema to defend your cause?
I think the general has a lot to do but we will have time to meet and discuss. This will happen at one time or another. I don’t rush, neither does he. Each of us has points to make. There will be time after to start the negotiation.
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