Ali Bongo has been released from house arrest by the military junta in Gabon, eight days after he was deposed as president.
The military junta announced the release on Wednesday in a statement by its spokesperson, Ulrich Manfoumbi.
“Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba is free to move about.
“He may, if he wishes, travel abroad for medical checkups.”
Bongo became president when Omar, his father, died after ruling from 1967 to 2009.
The military is yet to announce a transition to civilian rule programmes.
Brice Nguema, the coup leader who is Bongo’s cousin, served as a bodyguard to Bongo’s late father and also headed the country’s republican guard, an elite military unit.
