Gabon's military leader General Brice Olighe Ngema marked on August 30 with several ceremonies and a large military parade on the first anniversary of the coup that ended the 55-year rule of the Bongo family and brought the general to power, according to an analysis by Agence France-Presse, quoted by BTA.
On the occasion of the solemn event in the Gabonese capital Libreville, large posters were hung with the inscription "Yes, we have finally taken the road to happiness". AFP notes that the posters are in connection with the referendum on a new constitution, which is expected to be held by the end of the year.
General Olighi, who is interim president of Gabon, addressed the nation. In this address, the Gabonese leader hailed the "courageous decision to put an end to the old regime". He also presented his series of initiatives for the "rapid and sustainable transformation of everyday life" of the Gabonese.
"The infrastructures are old and in some provinces almost non-existent. Unemployment is high, many evils plague the Gabonese people," said the former head of the presidential guard.
"We have decided to rebuild the country, give a new impetus to the economy and encourage the creation of wealth,", General Oligi indicated his goals, which he will pursue if he is elected head of state in the presidential elections, which are expected to be produced in August next year.
AFP notes that the military's promises include more aid for the provinces and the construction of 2,591 km of roads by 2030.
On Thursday, the first day of the coup celebrations, General Oligi inaugurated several infrastructure projects - land, water and air.
France Press notes that the national aviation company "Fly Gabon", which is the first national airline since the liquidation in 2006 of "Air Gabon", begins today (August 31) to operate commercial flights.
Yesterday many residents of Liberville gathered near the presidency and greeted the head of state with songs and cheers.
The official program of the celebrations was intended to showcase the achievements of the interim government that has ruled Gabon for a year. It included a military parade, a football match between MPs and members of the government, a concert and fireworks.
After the coup that ended the dynasty founded by his father Omar, Gabon's former leader Ali Bongo, who is 65, lives in a residence in Libreville, and according to the interim government he is free to leave Gabon, and according to his lawyers is deprived of contact with the outside world.
Gabon faces significant challenges, says a Reuters analysis.
Despite its oil reserves, the largely forested African country is heavily dependent on food imports and its GDP per capita is lower than it was in the 1970s .
The military junta that rules Gabon has taken steps to improve transparency and budget management. However, good economic development will depend on the authorities' ability to ensure a more open and inclusive governance model, the International Monetary Fund warned in May, noting that economic diversification and correcting fiscal imbalances are key.