At the ceremony, Nguema who is head of the Republican Guard, pledged to promote the transfer of power and protect the nation’s territorial integrity and unity.

In his first speech as interim President of Gabon, General Nguema reiterated his commitment to quickly conducting a referendum on a new Constitution, accelerating the handover of power, organizing transparent elections, and bringing a better life to all Gabonese people.

Nguema announced an amnesty and release of all political prisoners and promised to improve relations with other countries and the international community.

The Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States suspended Gabon's membership on Monday. The suspension will be reviewed only after the constitutional order in Gabon is restored.

Last Thursday, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) also suspended indefinitely Gabon's membership in response to the coup, described by the AU, as an act that erodes the organization’s principles and foundations.