Gabon Military declares new leader, puts President Bongo under house arrest

This video grab shows soldiers holding General Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema aloft in Libreville, Gabon, Aug. 30, 2023. The general, chief of the Republican Guard, was designated president of the transitional committee. [AP Photo]

Army officers in the central African nation of Gabon said they seized power Wednesday, placed President Ali Bongo Ondimba under house arrest, and named the country's new leader.

General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, chief of the Republican Guard, was designated president of the transitional committee.