General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military leader, has declared his candidacy for the April 2025 presidential elections following a coup in August 2023. Despite his promises for a transition to civilian rule, criticism arises regarding his recent reforms. Opposition groups are calling for adherence to his initial pledge of establishing a civilian government.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon who assumed power after a coup in August 2023, has announced his candidacy for the April 2025 presidential elections. On March 1, 2025, he stated that his decision was made following “careful reflection and in response to the many appeals” from the Gabonese populace. Nguema emphasized the need for collaboration, saying, “I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country.” He also received encouragement from military personnel to continue his electoral campaign.
General Nguema rose to power by leading a coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, thereby ending the Bongo family’s longstanding control over Gabon that began in 1967. The coup followed a disputed election where Bongo was declared the winner, prompting accusations of electoral fraud. Nguema’s rise to power included promises of transitioning to civilian governance; however, critics contend that recent reforms hint at a strategy to facilitate his presidency.
In light of Nguema’s candidacy, opposition parties and civil society organizations are urging him to uphold his initial commitment to establish a civilian government post-transition. The Bongo family’s rule spanned 56 years, with Omar Bongo presiding for 41 years before his death in 2009, followed by Ali Bongo’s leadership for 14 years until the coup.
During the coup, Ali Bongo made a desperate appeal to the Gabonese people from house arrest, asking them to “make noise” against the military takeover, a call that received minimal support as many citizens celebrated the end of the Bongo dynasty. With the elections set for April 12, 2025, the focus will be on General Nguema’s political ascent and the extent to which Gabon will move toward democracy.
General Nguema’s declaration to run for president comes amidst rising calls for genuine civilian leadership in Gabon. His previous commitments to a transition to democracy are critically examined as he consolidates power. With a historical context of the Bongo family’s rule now under scrutiny, the upcoming elections will be pivotal for Gabon’s future government and democratic aspirations. It remains to be seen whether Nguema will honor his promise to return to civilian governance or continue to seek authority through electoral means.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
