Gabon opposition leader rejects Bongo's legitimacy, calls for talks

A poster in support of Gabon opposition leader Jean Ping is seen in the Atong Abe neighborhood of Libreville, Gabon, September 25, 2016. REUTERS/Edward McAllister - RTSPCK7

LIBREVILLE (Reuters) - Gabon's opposition leader Jean Ping called on Thursday for national talks to form a "new republic" and urged foreign powers to impose sanctions on allies of President Ali Bongo, sworn in this week after a disputed election in the oil-producing nation.

Ping remained intransigent during his speech in the capital Libreville, saying he refused to recognise Bongo's presidency. But his appeal for dialogue -- albeit on his own terms -- could help usher in a return to normal after post-election violence last month killed at least six people.