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Ousted president quits Gabon politics, calls for wife’s release

Gabon’s deposed President Ali Bongo has announced he will quit politics a year after he was toppled from power by a military coup.

“I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition,” Mr Bongo said in a letter addressed to the Gabonese people.

The 65-year-old also called for the release of his wife and son who are in detention awaiting trial on corruption allegations.

It is not clear whether his statement follows any negotiations with the military rulers, or if he is hoping that by agreeing to quit politics, he will secure his family’s freedom.

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