Gabon: Junta sets August 2025 as end of transition through elections

The junta in power in Gabon known as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) unveiled Monday November 13 a timeline for the transition which will come to an end in August 2025 following general elections.

The CRTI led by incumbent transitional leader General Brice Oligui Nguema came to power on August 30 by removing longtime President Omar Bongo Odimbah in power for 14 years, in the wake of general elections that it believed was rigged.

Oligui Nguema subsequently took oath on September 04 as the transitional President of the central African country without providing any information on the duration of the transition. In a communique read Monday by lieutenant-colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the CTRI indicated that it will hand over power in August 2025 following general elections. It also announced the adoption of a new constitution to be put through a referendum slated for between November and December 2024.

The first draft of the constitution will be unveiled end of August next year. The CTRI also announced a national and inclusive dialogue to be headed by the Catholic Church, for April 2024. The presentation of the timeline comes amid diplomatic efforts by the transitional President to end the country’s isolation by international organizations including the African Union (AU) in response to the military takeover.

Oligui Nguema met last week in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia, several African leaders including leaders of Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania calling on them to defend the country before the AU.