The current leader of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, who has led the West African country since its coup on the 30th of August 2023, has announced his intention to run for the post of president.
In November 2024, the country held a vote on a new constitution, marking a significant step toward democratic administration following the coup that ended the Bongo dynasty’s lengthy reign.
Ali Bongo Ondimba (64) had led the oil-rich country since 2009, succeeding his father, who had been in power for over 40 years.
The proposed constitution establishes a two-term limit for the presidency, with each term lasting seven years. It also eliminated the office of prime minister and officially declared French as Gabon’s working language.
The country’s current administration has made way for the current junta leader to run for president, despite the fact that transitional leaders are not supposed to run for president.
An exception was made for interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema, as conversations on a fair electoral process begin to take hold.
As reported by the BBC, the Junta leader told the Gabonese people on Monday that he had decided to run in the 12 April election “after careful reflection and in response to your many appeals”.
“I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country,” he said to a wave of supporters during a heavy downpour in the capital, Libreville.
In a meeting with the armed forces on Saturday, Nguema recognised their desire for him to run in the election and encouraged them to perform their civic duties.
He informed the defense soldiers that he had listened to their appeals. “I listened to you, and, believe me, I understood you. I will get back to you within the next few days.”
Since 2020, West and Central Africa have seen eight coups, including Gabon’s, sparking calls from Western powers and regional organizations for a quick transition to civilian rule.
