Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Nguema, announced his candidacy for the presidency in the April 12, 2025 election following a coup that dethroned the Bongo family. He emphasized his vision of rebuilding the nation amid pressing infrastructure challenges and the need to address the national debt. Nguema must temporarily abandon his military uniform to campaign, yet he remains a prominent figure in public life as the election approaches.
General Brice Nguema, Gabon’s military leader, has declared his candidacy for the presidency in the forthcoming election scheduled for April 12, 2025. Following his coup in August 2023, which ended the 55-year rule of the Bongo family, Nguema initially vowed to restore civilian governance after a transitional period. With the approval of a new electoral code, military personnel are now eligible to run for office, prompting his decision to enter the race.
In his address in Libreville, Nguema, who recently turned 50, stated, “After careful reflection and in response to your many appeals, I’ve decided to be a candidate in the April 12 presidential election.” He articulated a vision for a rejuvenated Gabon and committed to resolving significant infrastructure issues faced by the country, positioning himself as a “builder” seeking the people’s collective strength to reconstruct the nation.
To comply with electoral regulations, Nguema must temporarily relinquish his military attire during the campaign, as noted by his communications team, Infos CTRI Officiel. It articulated that he would don his military uniform again post-election, depending on the results. The general has engaged with the public through recent appearances, including a substantial military rally and a church service in his honor.
Despite rumors regarding his resignation from military service, Nguema’s official channels have reaffirmed his intent to maintain military status until the election concludes. To connect with younger voters, many of whom are below twenty, he has taken initiatives such as distributing free concert tickets for popular local artist L’Oiseau Rare. Candidates are required to confirm their intent to run by March 8, and while some contenders have withdrawn, Nguema is expected to face various opponents.
Throughout his campaign, Nguema has made commitments to address Gabon’s persistent power shortages and the escalating national debt, which currently stands at 70 percent of the nation’s GDP. With a national debt approximating $12 billion in 2023, financial management remains a critical concern for a country endowed with valuable natural resources, including oil, timber, and manganese.
In summary, General Brice Nguema’s announcement of his presidential candidacy marks a significant moment for Gabon, especially given his military background and recent rise to power. His promises to rejuvenate the nation’s infrastructure and tackle pressing economic concerns resonate particularly with the youth. As the electoral date approaches, Nguema will navigate the complexities of military and civilian governance while positioning himself amidst a competitive landscape of candidates.
Original Source: punchng.com
