General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military leader, has declared his candidacy for the April 2025 presidential elections, following his coup in August 2023 that ousted President Ali Bongo. Nguema’s announcement has sparked opposition calls for a return to civilian governance, challenging the legitimacy of his potential presidency. His bid for power raises critical questions about Gabon’s transition towards democracy.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon who came to power through a coup in August 2023, has announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for April 2025. This declaration was made on March 1, 2025, following what he described as “careful reflection and in response to the many appeals” from the Gabonese populace. Nguema stated, “I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country.”
Descending from his position as coup leader, General Nguema’s candidacy comes after he overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled for 14 years. The coup, which terminated the Bongo family’s 56-year grip on power, was precipitated by accusations surrounding electoral fraud in the recent presidential elections that Bongo was declared to have won. Nguema initially promised a transition to civilian governance, yet critics claim that recent reforms appear tailored to secure his political ambitions.
In light of Nguema’s announcement, various opposition parties and civil society organizations are advocating for adherence to Nguema’s initial commitment to establish a civilian government post-transition. The Bongo family’s dominance over Gabon began in 1967 with Omar Bongo’s presidency, lasting until his death in 2009, followed by Ali Bongo’s rule.
During the coup, Ali Bongo, under house arrest, called for the citizens of Gabon to “make noise” and resist the military, but this appeal went unnoticed as many celebrated the change in power. As the April 12, 2025 elections draw closer, General Nguema’s pursuit of the presidency raises questions regarding the future direction of Gabon’s democratic transition.
General Brice Oligui Nguema’s declaration to run in Gabon’s upcoming presidential elections reflects a significant shift in the country’s political landscape following his military coup in August 2023. While he enjoys support among some military factions, opposition groups are eager to see a restoration of civilian leadership in adherence to his earlier promises. As the elections approach, the effectiveness and sincerity of this transition to democracy will be closely scrutinized.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
