By Daniel Edu
In a recently surfaced video on social media, Ali Bongo, the deposed President of Gabon, is seen appealing to his international allies for assistance in the aftermath of Wednesday’s coup.
In the brief 51-second video, Bongo confirms his arrest and his separation from his son and wife, both of whom he states are being held at a different location.
The group responsible for the coup cites severe institutional, political, economic, and social challenges as the reasons behind their action, which they consider a ‘necessary’ step for the advancement of the West African nation.
Bongo conveys, “I am Ali Bongo Ondimba, the President of Gabon. I am sending out a message to all our friends across the globe, urging them to raise their voices, to create an outcry.”
Born on February 9, 1959, in Congo-Brazzaville as Alain Bernard Bongo, the 64-year-old assumed the presidency of Gabon in 2009 after the passing of his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled the country for nearly 42 years since 1967.
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