Gabon opposition divided over national dialogue’s proposal to suspend political parties

Gabon’s opposition is divided over a proposed suspension of close to 200 political parties until further notice in preparation for a return to civilian rule, which was floated by the country’s consultation team taking part in a national dialogue.

This was one of about thousand propositions received by the head of Gabon’s transitional government General Brice Oligui Nguema following the National Inclusive Dialogue (DNI), a month-long meeting in the capital Libreville of some 680 individuals chosen by Oligui to represent political parties, civil society, unions, religious orders, and minority groups. Apart from the temporary suspension of political parties, they also suggested the barring of members of ousted President Ali Bongo’s Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) from taking part in elections for three years.

Proponents of the measure claim it eliminates parties created for reasons of corruption and personal ego, and prevents alleged vote-buying by PDG officials, while opponents say it will stifle democracy in Gabon, as it would allow Oligui to cruise to victory in the August 2025 elections. The resolutions and recommendations were handed to Oligui on Tuesday (30 April) in the presence of Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has accepted the role of a regional mediator for Gabon’s planned return to civilian rule. Oligui said a new constitution will be prepared, taking the dialogue’s propositions and recommendations into account, with a referendum on the new charter to be held in June.