As Gabon approaches the first anniversary of the coup that ousted longtime President Ali Bongo Ondimba, supporters of the military chief who leads the transitional government are urging him to run for president.

Meanwhile, opponents of General Brice Nguema say he is plotting to seize power for the long term and turn Gabon into a military dictatorship.

Gabon’s military is urging people to turn out in droves on August 30 and celebrate what the central African state’s military leaders call the Day of National Liberation.

Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, spokesperson for the transitional government, said military leaders want to use August 30 as an annual day of celebration to thank troops who effected the change of leadership without killing civilians or destroying property.