Faith Nyasuguta
General Brice Oligui Nguema, who took on the role of interim president following the ousting of President Ali Bongo in August, has made a significant gesture by relinquishing his salary as president. He will now only receive a wage as commander of the republican guard.
The junta spokesperson stated that this decision was motivated by General Nguema’s awareness of the pressing social issues and high expectations of the Gabonese people.
As each day passes, the junta becomes more cognizant of the extent of the country’s deterioration, particularly in public finances.
The previous 14-year rule of deposed President Bongo had been marred by allegations of corruption and financial scandals, resulting in severe damage to the country’s finances.
General Nguema’s actions go beyond renouncing his presidential salary; he has also initiated measures to reduce public spending, which include cutting allowances for lawmakers, eliminating political funds, and reducing session allowances.
This move has instilled confidence in the Gabonese people that the country’s leadership is taking essential steps to address its financial issues and improve the welfare of its citizens.
Last week, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, the wife of Gabon’s deposed president Ali Bongo was imprisoned following her house arrest since the late August coup, as reported by her lawyer Francois Zimeray.
She faces allegations of embezzling public funds, with charges including money laundering, forgery, and falsification of records filed against her on September 28.
The coup marked the end of the 55-year Bongo dynasty rule, with the coup leaders accusing the former president and his entourage of election result manipulation.
Sylvia Bongo and her son, Nourredin Bongo Valentin, are further accused of effectively governing the oil-rich nation for the past five years, allegedly misusing public funds. Nourredin Bongo Valentin has been detained and charged with corruption in connection with these allegations.
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