Gabon's new strongman, General Brice Oligui Nguema, on Friday, September 1, stepped up contacts with national groups and foreign interests, two days after heading a coup that ended 55 years of rule by the Bongo family.
Pursuing an initiative to speak to Gabon's "vital forces" following the takeover, Nguema met members of civil society a day after a speech to 200 businessmen whom he lectured on corruption.
Broadcast on state television on Friday, he sternly warned business leaders in the oil-rich state against "over-billing" and told them to commit to the "development of the country."
"It is difficult to perceive, at this stage, your commitment or patriotism when it comes to the development expected by our compatriots," Nguema said. "This situation, for me, cannot continue, and I will not tolerate it."
He vowed to ensure the overcharged money "returns to the state."
He also invited foreign donors, diplomats, and members of international organizations to meet with him. Details of that meeting remained unclear.
Embassies of countries or organizations that have condemned the coup told Agence France-Presse they had not sent their most senior representatives to the meeting, but rather officials of a lesser rank.