Gabonese New constitution proposed by the ruling junta, General Brice Oligui Nguema, contains a national holiday to celebrate the downfall of the country’s Bongo dynasty, media reported Tuesday.
This was made known in a text published by the transitional government on Monday after it was passed by the Council of Ministers last week.
According to the text published, a referendum on the constitution is to be held on November 16.
The draft orders a national liberation day celebrating the end of 55 years of rule by the family of former president Ali Bongo Ondimba, on August 30 last year.
The text also includes abolishing the post of prime minister and imposing a seven-year presidential term, renewable once.
Recall that, an hour after the announcement of Bongo’s election to a third term as president on August 30, 2023, a military junta led by General Brice Oligui Nguema forced him out of the office.
Oligui has promised to restore civilian rule in the oil-rich West African nation, and has not hidden his intention to run in a presidential election slated for August 2025.
“The proposed constitution, the fruit of your contributions during national consultations, is now available. I invite you to examine it carefully, to fully understand its stakes and to take the time to think with complete peace of mind,” the transitional president wrote on X.
