In a statement read on national television, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who was sworn in as Gabon’s new head of state said Bongo may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical checkups.

This is the first time after the coup that the Gabon military government has made an official announcement about the fate of ousted President Ali Bongo.

Earlier in the coup announcement broadcast on television on August 30, a group of military officers led by General Oligui Nguema announced that they were placing Ali Bongo under house arrest. A few hours later, General Oligui Nguema said that Ali Bongo would be treated as a former President of Gabon.