The African Union has suspended Gabon’s membership following Wednesday’s military coup and ouster of longtime president Ali Bongo. The U.N. has also condemned the coup, but many Gabonese have voiced support for the military takeover.

Mouele Kavi: “It’s important to remember that we’ve been waiting for this release for several years. The Bongo regime has been sharing out Gabon’s wealth for several years. They have promoted corruption and unemployment. So we’re tired of it. We’ve been waiting for this with real satisfaction. It’s a real pleasure. Today I’m proud to say that Gabon’s independence took place on August 30th, 2023.”

Meanwhile, main opposition leader Albert Ondo Ossa, who lost his challenge to Ali Bongo in Saturday’s contested election, is calling for the junta to complete the ballot count and hand over power to civilians.