Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo Cleared for Medical Travel, May Head to Morocco

"Given his state of health, the former President Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move and if he wishes, he can travel abroad for medical examinations," announced on Wednesday in a statement read on national television by the spokesman of the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Monfoumbi.

Ali Bongo Ondimba suffered a stroke in October 2018 and had traveled to Morocco to undergo rehabilitation therapies. He could return to Morocco, where he has had a strong friendship with King Mohammed VI since his adolescence. The fathers of the men, Omar Bongo Ondimba and Hassan II, had themselves forged a friendship. Ali Bongo sometimes accompanied his father when he went to rest in Morocco, after a trip to Europe or one of the Maghreb countries.

Barely proclaimed re-elected, Ali Bongo Ondimba was overthrown on Wednesday, August 30 by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who became President of the Transition. Until then, he was being held in his residence north of Libreville.