As authorized by the nation's constitutional court, Brice Nguema, the head of Gabon's military junta, formally took the position of interim president on Monday in a televised ceremony. This incident occurs in the wake of last week's coup, which was orchestrated by Nguema and led to the overthrow of President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

The military seizure marks a fundamental shift in Gabonese politics, ending the Bongo family's long-standing dominance.

In 2009, Omar Bongo, who had controlled Gabon for more than 40 years, passed away. His son, 64-year-old Ali Bongo, had taken over as president. Before the revolution, Bongo, who had been in power for almost 14 years, was named the victor of a contentious presidential election.

Voting delays, internet outages, and attempts by the Bongo administration to restrict foreign press coverage tainted this election.

Following the coup, the junta put the ousted Leader under house arrest while simultaneously annulling the election results and sealing the nation's borders. International disapproval of these activities was expressed.

While this was happening, thousands of people in Gabon gathered to show their support for the military and to celebrate the change in government.

Former Omar Bongo bodyguard Nguema quickly assumed the position as interim leader. An jubilant military parade and plaudits from his civilian supporters commemorated his swearing-in as interim president.

According to local media sources, Nguema held talks with political leaders about reform and the likely length of the transitional period before being sworn in. He also authorized the reopening of Gabon's borders.

The length of Nguema's term is yet unknown because, according to Reuters, he stated a desire to avoid making the same mistakes again by delaying new elections.

In response, a coalition of opposition parties in Gabon has urged the junta to continue the election and finish the vote count, which might give opposition leader Albert Ondo Ossa, the second-place finisher in the invalidated poll, the victory.

A growing number of former French colonies in Africa, including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Tunisia, and now Gabon, have seen political unrest in recent months.

These incidents have sparked worries about the region's democratic advancements eroding. The removal of President Bongo is seen by many Gabonese as a big win for their nation, which struggles with severe poverty despite having huge oil resources.