Expelled members of Gabon's ruling PDG form new party

Three members expelled from Gabon’s ruling party have formed their own political party.

The three, Alexandre Barro-Chambrier, Michel Menga and Jonathan Ignoumba were expelled by President Ali Bongo from the Democratic Party of Gabon (PDG).

They announced the formation of the Heritage and Modernity party on Thursday in the capital Libreville.

Consequently, the new political wing plans to field a candidate in the presidential elections to be held in August.

Political observers say the likely candidate to challenge the president will be Alexandre Barro Chambrier, the former minister for Mines and Petroleum.

The three were expelled for criticizing president Ali Bongo’s leadership and the ruling party which was founded 48 years ago, by Omar Bongo who was father to the current president.