“Concern over coup fears: The African Union suspends Gabon, while Cameroon and Rwanda see retirement of generals and 1,000 soldiers.”

  • Post category:Politics

“The African Union’s Peace and Security Council suspended Gabon on Thursday in response to the military overthrow of President Ondimba Ali Bongo by soldiers led by Gen Brice Nguema, head of the Republican guards, which occurred on Wednesday.

The continental organization, previously active on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), strongly condemned the military takeover of power in Gabon.

Meanwhile, Rwanda and Cameroon made unexpected moves by retiring 1,029 senior officers from their respective armed forces. In Rwanda, 12 generals, including two four-star generals (James Kabarebe and Fred Ibingira) and two three-star generals (Charles Kayonga and Frank Mushyo Kamanzi), along with several other officers, were granted retirement.

According to the Rwandan national newspaper, News Times, these retirements were announced in a statement issued by the Rwanda Defence Force on Wednesday. Among those retired were individuals like Kabarebe and Kayonga, both of whom had previously served as Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, along with the other two who had held service chief positions.

The statement also indicated, “The President has also approved the retirement of 83 senior officers, six junior officers, and 86 senior non-commissioned officers, including 678 whose contracts had ended and 160 due to medical discharges.”

In Cameroon, President Paul Biya initiated a reshuffling of the military, making new appointments within the Controle Generale des Armees.”

The new controllers are Capt Ajeagah Njei Félix Colonel and Colonel Nguema Ondo Bertin Bourger.

Appointments were also made to the positions of Technical Advisers, Bureau Commissariat, and Air Force Technical Inspector.

Disclosing its decision after a meeting of its Peace and Security Council, the AU said it “decides to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions.”

It said the meeting was chaired by the AU commissioner for political affairs, Bankole Adeoye of Nigeria, and the current holder of the council’s rotating chair, Burundi’s Willy Nyamitwe.

Nguema for inauguration

In a recent development, the junta in Gabon has announced that Gen Nguema will be inaugurated as the transitional president on Monday, while the opposition is calling for recognition of their candidate as the victor of the weekend elections.

The military released a statement on Thursday to reassure international donors that they will uphold all commitments both domestically and abroad and transition into new governing institutions. Col Ulrich Manfoumbi, the spokesperson for the new regime, confirmed that Gen Nguema’s swearing-in will occur at the constitutional court.

Gabon’s opposition coalition, Alternance 2023, had previously been silent since the coup but is now urging the military leaders to acknowledge their election victory. Led by university professor Albert Ondo Ossa, Alternance had accused President Ali Bongo of electoral fraud and demanded a peaceful transfer of power.

Regarding Niger Republic, a humanitarian crisis is looming due to the impact of sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the military coup on July 26 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The sanctions have led to the closure of borders, causing shortages of food and other essential supplies. Aid organizations are struggling to deliver critical assistance to the vulnerable population.

Efforts to resolve the crisis are ongoing, with President Bola Tinubu emphasizing the importance of diplomatic solutions and expressing concern about the humanitarian impact. Trans-border traders have also reported significant losses due to trapped perishable goods.

In another development, the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee is investigating the non-remittance of funds to the National Housing Fund and the utilization of funds from 2011 to date. The committee has warned that CEOs who fail to honor its invitations may be subpoenaed. It has also summoned the Accountant General of the Federation and the acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear in person before the panel next Thursday. The committee is determined to ensure a fair hearing and may take legal action against those who undermine its authority or sabotage the investigation.

Also present were representatives of the gateway payment: Remita, e-Tranzact, and NIP. However, they were asked to go and come with their CEOs on Thursday.

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