General Brice Nguema announced his candidacy for Gabon’s presidential election on April 12, 2025, after leading a coup in 2023. He aims to revitalize Gabon and tackle pressing infrastructure and economic issues. Candidates must confirm their participation by March 8, while Nguema seeks to engage the youth electorate.
General Brice Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, announced his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming election scheduled for April 12, 2025. Nguema, who came to power following a coup that ended the Bongo family’s 55-year rule in August 2023, had initially promised to restore civilian governance after a transitional period.
The recent approval of a new electoral code by the transitional parliament allows military personnel and magistrates to run for office, paving the way for Nguema’s presidential bid. In a speech delivered in Libreville, he stated, “After careful reflection and in response to your many appeals, I have decided to be a candidate in the April 12 presidential election.”
In his address, Nguema shared his vision of a revitalized Gabon, addressing critical infrastructure issues and declaring himself a “builder” of the nation. He called upon the citizenry for support and resilience in the national rebuilding process.
As part of his candidacy, Nguema will temporarily step down from his military role to campaign while retaining his presidential guard position until the election concludes. Following the election, should he not win, he will return to military service.
Recently, Nguema engaged in various public appearances to strengthen his connection with the populace. To attract younger voters, he distributed free tickets to a concert by a popular local artist, L’Oiseau Rare. Candidates must confirm their electoral intentions by March 8, with several potential rivals already withdrawing from the race.
During his campaign, Nguema has committed to addressing Gabon’s ongoing power shortages and mounting national debt, which currently stands at 70 percent of the GDP. This debt, approximately $12 billion in 2023, is a significant concern for the resource-rich nation, abundant in oil, timber, and manganese.
General Brice Nguema is set to run for Gabon’s presidency following the recent changes that permit military candidates in elections. His campaign will focus on national rebuilding, infrastructure improvements, and addressing economic challenges. The upcoming election offers a pivotal moment for Gabon’s leadership, as Nguema attempts to connect with younger voters while navigating the political landscape marked by his military background.
Original Source: punchng.com
