General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military leader, has said that he will no longer be paid the presidential salary and will only be paid as commander of the republican guard.
After President Ali Bongo was overthrown in August, he was appointed acting president.
Col Ulrich Manfoumbi, the spokesperson for the junta made the news known on Wednesday night, stating that Gen. Nguema made the choice because he was “aware of the social emergencies and many expectations of the Gabonese people”.
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“Each day that passes allows the [junta] to become more aware of the general state of deterioration of the country and of public finances in particular,” Col. Ulrich Manfoumbi said.
Allegations of corruption and other financial issues dogged the 14-year tenure of deposed President Bongo; the junta said the nation’s finances were the “victim of a real criminal fury.”
In addition to giving up his presidential pay, Gen. Nguema made the decision to cut back on public spending by abolishing political funding, reducing session allowances, and reducing legislator allowances. The state’s finances would be consolidated, according to the presidency.
The most recent action has been perceived as an effort to rebuild Gabonese citizens’ faith in the nation’s leadership.
