Gabon’s military leader Gen Brice Oligui Nguema has relinquished his presidential salary, opting to solely receive a wage as the commander of the republican guard.
This decision comes as he continues to hold the position of interim president, a role he assumed following the overthrow of President Ali Bongo earlier this year in August.
In an official statement released by a junta spokesperson on Wednesday, it was revealed that Gen Nguema’s choice was primarily motivated by his recognition of the pressing social emergencies and the high expectations of the Gabonese people.
“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 in a report by the BBC.
Former President Bongo’s 14-year tenure was plagued by accusations of corruption and financial improprieties, with the junta citing the nation’s finances as having fallen “victim of a real criminal fury”.
In addition to forgoing his presidential salary, Gen Nguema has also opted to curtail public expenditures by significantly reducing the allowances of lawmakers, abolishing political funds, and minimizing session allowances.
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According to sources, this recent course of action seems to have reinstated the Gabonese populace’s trust in the leadership of the country.
