General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military leader, has declared his candidacy for the presidential election in April 2024, despite initial pledges to restore civilian rule post-coup in 2023. His campaign will focus on national rebuilding and infrastructure, although criticisms of continuity with the previous regime persist due to his long service under Ali Bongo. The economic landscape presents significant challenges as the nation grapples with high debt levels and financial instability.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon who executed a coup in 2023, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April 12. This declaration comes despite his promise to return governance to civilian leadership post-coup. In a recent address, Oligui stated that his decision is a response to the popular demand from the public; he said, “After careful reflection and in response to your many appeals, I’ve decided to be a candidate in the April 12 presidential election.”
Oligui’s campaign will prioritize national reconstruction, improvement of infrastructure, and resolution of frequent power outages. He emphasized his commitment to building the nation, asserting, “I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country,” while addressing supporters in Libreville amid rain. A recent adjustment in the electoral framework permits military personnel and judges to stand for election, necessitating Oligui to temporarily relinquish his military title during the campaign.
If he does not secure victory, Oligui’s team stated he would revert to military life, but if elected, he would formally assume the role of a civilian leader. Recently, he engaged with the public through various events, including military gatherings and church services, aiming to resonate with ordinary citizens and especially younger voters by offering free concert tickets in a populist move.
Despite the pledge for reform, skepticism remains regarding whether Oligui’s leadership would signify a genuine transformation or merely a continuation of the previous regime’s policies, as he served under the Bongo administration for many years. Gabon continues to grapple with significant economic challenges, including a national debt that has reached 70% of its GDP, compounded by oil, timber, and manganese assets, resulting in concerns from the International Monetary Fund regarding Gabon’s financial stability. The current government attributes these challenges to the detrimental legacy left by the Bongo administration.
Presidential candidates are required to submit their applications by March 8, which entails passing a language examination, completing a medical check-up, and declaring their assets. Reports suggest that approximately 20 individuals have already withdrawn their candidacy against Oligui. As he seeks to portray himself as the leader capable of steering Gabon to a new era, uncertainties linger over whether his presidency would herald authentic governance changes or merely reinforce the existing military-aligned structure.
General Brice Oligui Nguema has declared his candidacy for Gabon’s presidential elections despite prior commitments to civilian governance following his coup in 2023. His campaign promises reforms focused on infrastructure and economic recovery, but skepticism persists regarding potential continuity with the past regime. As the deadline for candidacy approaches, the political landscape remains contentious, with notable withdrawals from the race and economic challenges looming.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
