Gabon
Sacks Ministers Challenging Bongo’s Son
Gabon's
interim government has sacked four ministers who are
standing against the ruling party's choice of Ali
Ben Bongo, son of the late president, in upcoming
elections.
Casimir Oye Mba and Andre Mba Obame, former
stalwarts of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG)
who have complained that Bongo, the son, was imposed
on the party and are now running as independent
candidates, are among those sacked
Oye Mba was minister for mines and oil and Mba Obame
had been serving as minister in charge of government
coordination. They have been replaced by Julien
Onkogho Bekale and Josue Mbaeinga.
Paul Mba Abessolo, a vice prime minister who was
also minister for culture and human rights, has been
replaced by Philippe Nzengue Mayila after he
announced that his party wanted him to run for
president rather than support the PDG choice.
Also, Pierre Andre Kombila, who had held the
hydroelectric resources and alternative energy
portfolio, has been removed after he joined the
opposition against Bongo.
The reshuffle comes just weeks before Gabon is due
to hold an election to replace late President Omar
Bongo, who died in June after over four decades of
rule.
No official reason has been given for the changes.
Reuters/Saint/Yinka