Elections Within Two Years – New Gabon PM Tells BBC | General News

Gabon's new prime minister has told the BBC that the country should hold fresh elections within the next two years, following a military coup last week.

The junta which overthrew President Ali Bongo has promised a free and fair election, but not set out a timetable.

However, Raymond Ndong Sima told the BBC's Newshour programme: "I have said in a document that I published that that should be done within two years."

He said a timetable would be decided in the coming days.

Mr Sima was installed as interim prime minister on Thursday, after Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup against Mr Bongo, became Gabon's transitional president.

Mr Bongo had led the oil-rich West African country since 2009 when he succeeded his father who had been in power for more than 40 years. The family had strong links to France, the former colonial power in Gabon.

The coup has been condemned in Africa and the West, including France.

Civilians appear to have welcomed the change, with cheers greeting Gen Nguema's inauguration on Monday.

However, some have questioned whether his rule will be a break from the past, having spent most of his career in Mr Bongo's inner circle.