In a communique on state TV on Wednesday evening, military spokesperson Col Ulrich Manfoumbi said the decision to free Mr Bongo was due to “his state of health”.

The ousted Gabon President Ali Bongo, has been released from detention by the Gabonese military junta.

Bongo was freed from house arrest, according to BBC on health ground. 

BBC reported that “the decision to free Mr Bongo was due to “his state of health”.

The junta said he’s now “free to move about”.

In a communique on state TV on Wednesday evening, military spokesperson Col Ulrich Manfoumbi said the decision to free Mr Bongo was due to “his state of health”.

“He may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical check-ups,” he added.

The decision to free him follows pressure from the Central African regional bloc Eccas and Gabon’s neighbours, to respect the physical integrity of the ousted head of state.

In 2018, Mr Bongo suffered a stroke.

His health was a major source of concern for many in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

The Nation reported that a group of senior Gabonese soldiers appeared on national television and announced they had taken power, minutes after the state election body announced President Ali Bongo had won a third term.

Appearing on television channel Gabon 24, the officers said they represented all security and defence forces in the Central African nation. They said the election results were cancelled, all borders closed until further notice and state institutions dissolved.

“In the name of the Gabonese people … we have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,” the officers said in a statement.

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