Gabon’s former president, Ali Bongo, who was removed from power in a coup, has been granted the freedom to leave the country and travel abroad, according to the leader of the coup, General Brice Oligui Nguema.

Ali Bongo had been placed under house arrest since the military coup on August 30, which occurred shortly after his party declared him the winner of a contested election.

The coup leaders claimed the election was fraudulent.

Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, reading a statement signed by General Oligui, stated that due to Ali Bongo’s health condition, he was free to move and could travel abroad for medical check-ups.

Bongo suffered a severe stroke in October 2018, which left him with physical impairments, especially in his right leg and arm.

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Ali Bongo took office in 2009, succeeding his father Omar, who ruled Gabon for over four decades.

His presidency had been marked by controversy, including a disputed re-election in 2016 and a subsequent stroke that weakened his hold on power.

Following the coup, the opposition leader, Ondo Ossa, had initially claimed victory in the elections and called on General Oligui to step aside.

He also alleged family ties between Oligui and Bongo, suggesting that the coup was more of a “palace revolution” perpetuating the “Bongo system.”