Almost two years after leading a coup to end more than five decades of Bongo family rule, Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, has announced his intention to run in the upcoming presidential elections in April 2024. This marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, which has been dominated by the Bongo family since the 1960s.
Nguema, who ousted President Ali Bongo in August 2023, had previously promised to restore civilian rule after a transitional period. However, his announcement to run for president signals a potential change in his stance. The decision follows the approval of a new electoral code in January 2024, which now allows members of the military and magistrates to participate in political elections. This change paves the way for Nguema, the former head of the presidential guard, to officially enter the race.
During a speech in Gabon’s capital, Libreville, the 50-year-old military leader expressed his vision for the country’s future, calling it a “Gabon rising from the ashes.” Nguema urged the crowd to rally behind his candidacy, promising to lead the nation toward a new era of stability and progress.
In order to run for president, Nguema must temporarily step down from his current position, a requirement set by Gabon’s electoral laws. According to the Facebook page Infos CTRI officiel, if Nguema is not elected, he will return to his military duties. This stipulation underscores the ongoing influence of the military in Gabon’s political structure, even as the country prepares for its first contested presidential election since the Bongo dynasty’s long reign.
The presidential election in Gabon is scheduled for April 12, 2024, and will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers. Nguema’s candidacy is expected to further shape the future of the country, as Gabon’s political transition remains in flux following the abrupt end of the Bongo family’s grip on power. The outcome of the election will likely determine whether Gabon takes steps toward full democratic governance or continues to be shaped by military influence.
