The leader of Gabon's military junta has pledged to transfer authority back to civilian leadership following "fair and transparent" elections. Nevertheless, during his inaugural address as interim president, he refrained from specifying a definite timeline for the conclusion of military governance.

General Brice Nguema orchestrated a coup last Wednesday, deposing President Ali Bongo shortly after the latter was declared the winner of a contentious election. The inauguration ceremony witnessed enthusiastic crowds of civilians who welcomed the coup as an opportunity for change.

Nonetheless, there are concerns that Gen Nguema's rule may simply extend the 55-year-long Bongo dynasty. Ali Bongo's father, Omar, held power for 41 years until his passing in 2009, at which point he was succeeded by his son.

The general, aged 48, spent the majority of his career within the Bongo family's inner circle and is even believed to be a cousin of Ali Bongo.

During Monday's inauguration, Gen Nguema delivered a resolute speech, making references to notable figures such as South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, French statesman Charles de Gaulle, and former Ghanaian leader Jerry Rawlings.

Draped in the red ceremonial attire of the Republican Guard, the new president asserted, "This patriotic endeavor will serve as a valuable lesson that will be incorporated into the curriculum of our educational institutions."

He added that a fresh government would be formed "in a few days" and recommended new electoral legislation, a new penal code, and a referendum on a new constitution.

Gen Nguema also said he had instructed the new government "to think without delay" about freeing all political prisoners.

The ceremony was broadcast live on Gabonese TV and across online platforms.

Hundreds of officials attended, including former ministers from the ousted government, who were booed by a crowd of junta sympathizers.

The opposition has said it welcomes the removal of Mr. Bongo from power but has called for a speedy return to civilian rule.

The defeated presidential candidate Albert Ondo Ossa told the Associated Press that the coup was a "palace revolution", engineered by the Bongo family to retain their power.

Gen Nguema's is the latest in a series of military takeovers across West and Central Africa.

Gabon is the sixth Francophone country to fall under military rule in the last three years as former colonial power France struggles to maintain its influence on the continent.

Gabon was suspended from the African Union following the coup, which has been condemned by the UN and France.

In his inauguration address on Monday, Gen Nguema said he was "surprised" at foreign criticism of the takeover.

May God's kingdom come soon

Noted