Gabon: Bongo appoints new prime minister to 'form inclusive government'

Gabonese president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, has appointed the current foreign minister, Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet as the new prime minister tasked to form an “inclusive government”.

The presidency announced the decision on Wednesday.

“The President of the Republic has issued a decree appointing Mr. Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet as Prime Minister, Head of Government and asked him to form an inclusive government,” the presidential communication directorate (DCP) said in a statement released a day after the swearing in of Ali Bongo for a second term.

“The government could be announced latest by Sunday. Since this is an open government, it takes time for consultations,” the communications minister, Alain-Claude bile-By-Nze told AFP.

Issoze Ngondet’s appointment means he replaces Daniel Ona Ondo.

The appointment of a new prime minister and calls for dialogue and openness “do not change anything. He (Ali Bongo) should leave,” John Nambo, the chief of staff of Jean Ping told AFP.

Opposition leader Jean Ping is scheduled to speak on Thursday afternoon, Nambo added.