Gabon’s military leader declares presidential candidacy

General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a military coup in 2023 that ended over five decades of Bongo family rule, has announced he will run in Gabon’s presidential election due on 12 April.
Despite initially promising to return power to civilians, Nguema stated that his decision was prompted by public demand for his leadership. In a speech in the capital, Libreville, the 50-year-old military leader vowed to rebuild Gabon, focusing on addressing infrastructure issues and the country’s persistent power cuts. “I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country,” he told supporters. Gabon’s new electoral code, passed by the transitional parliament in January, allows military officers to run for office. Nguema, who served as head of the presidential guard under ousted leader Ali Bongo, will temporarily relinquish his military position to campaign, with his team stating that if he loses, he will return to the military.
Although Nguema presents himself as a reformer, critics argue his rule mirrors that of the Bongo family, with his long-standing ties to the former regime. Gabon faces significant economic challenges, including a growing national debt and concerns over financial stability, yet Nguema’s government blames the Bongo era for the country’s financial woes. With presidential candidates required to submit their candidacies by 8 March, Nguema’s announcement sets the stage for a contentious election, as many question whether his presidency will signal genuine change or a continuation of the past.