Gabon’s Nguema bans foreign holidays for government officials

Gabon's interim president, Gen Oligui Nguema, who took power in a coup a year ago, has imposed new restrictions on members of his transitional government, banning them from vacationing abroad.

He has also limited officials' holiday leave to a maximum of one week, BBC reported.

Speculation is mounting that Gen Nguema may be preparing to run for president in next year's election, the first since his takeover of the Central African nation.

Gen Oligui Nguema seized power by overthrowing his cousin, Ali Bongo, who had held the presidency since 2009, succeeding their father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who ruled Gabon for 41 years.

The announcement of holiday restrictions for government officials comes just days ahead of the coup's first anniversary, a moment when the junta's performance will likely face increased scrutiny.

Gen Nguema may be attempting to draw favourable comparisons with his ousted predecessor, Ali Bongo, who was known for frequent overseas trips and whose family owned several properties in France and the UK.

Ironically, Gen Nguema is said to own multiple properties in the US. When questioned about this, he maintained that his private life should be respected.

Despite this, it is believed that the new holiday restrictions will also apply to him, though he will likely still travel abroad for official duties. The details of the restrictions were announced on state television, emphasizing that the aim was to "immerse" government officials in "the realities and expectations of their compatriots."

A spokesman for the interim government clarified that exceptions to the holiday restrictions would only be made in cases of "force majeure"—extraordinary events beyond anyone's control—or for health reasons.