RARE PHOTOS: Republican guard | Rare Historical Photos

Gabon coup leader sworn in as 'transitional' head of state

General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup last week that toppled Gabon's 55-year-old ruling dynasty, took the oath of office as interim president on Monday, promising "free, transparent and credible elections" to restore civilian rule but without giving a timeframe.

France 24 · Sep 4, 2023

South Africa: Over 70 killed in Johannesburg fire

In tonight's Eye on Africa: In South Africa, scores of people die in Johannesburg after a fire at an abandoned apartment block that housed dozens of homeless people. Also, the African Union suspends Gabon after Wednesday's coup d'état, in which the elite Republican Guard placed President Ali Bongo under house…

France 24 · Aug 31, 2023

Gabon coup chief named interim leader as West condemns Bongo ouster

Gabon’s junta has named coup chief General Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the presidential Republican Guard, as the country’s interim leader. The move comes after soldiers deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba after he was declared the winner of national elections.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 31, 2023

Jean-Paul Zé Bella: the cunning Cameroonian soldier who became a global music legend

One of Cameroon’s most influential music stars – Jean-Paul Zé Bella – passed away on 15 January at the age of 71 after a battle against cancer. The singer and drummer was a founding member of the band Zangalewa and performed with it until he retired from the military. Part…

The Conversation · Feb 15, 2023

DR Congo appoints new army chief as part of military reforms

The wave of appointments is part of broader framework of military reforms, said a presidential spokesman.

Al Jazeera · Oct 4, 2022

Congo names new army chief among broad military reforms

Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has replaced the head of the armed forces as part of broader military reforms aimed at boosting efficiency, his office said.

Reuters · Oct 4, 2022