Gabon’s Junta Leader General Nguema Announces Candidacy for President

General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s military junta, has declared his candidacy for the April 2025 presidential elections, following a coup in August 2023. His announcement has sparked discussions around the promised transition to civilian governance amidst opposition calls for genuine democracy. As the elections approach, the outcome may significantly impact Gabon’s political future.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, has declared his intention to run in the April 2025 presidential elections, having taken power in a coup in August 2023. He announced his candidacy on March 1, 2025, after careful consideration and in response to numerous appeals from the Gabonese populace. Nguema expressed, “I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country.”

During a recent meeting with military personnel, General Nguema acknowledged their eagerness for his electoral participation and urged their support. His rise to power followed the ousting of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, which concluded a 56-year dynastic rule that included the leadership of Bongo’s father, Omar Bongo. This coup was initiated after allegations of electoral fraud in the disputed presidential election where Ali Bongo was declared the winner.

Despite the announcement, various opposition parties and civil society groups are calling on General Nguema to uphold his earlier commitment to transition to civilian administration instead of seeking the presidency himself. The Bongo family had maintained control over Gabon since 1967, leading to deep-seated calls for governmental reform.

Ali Bongo, during the coup, made a public appeal urging citizens to “make noise” against the military takeover while he was under house arrest. His appeal, however, failed to resonate, as the populace celebrated the end of the Bongo reign. As the upcoming elections on April 12, 2025, near, attention will focus on the implications of Nguema’s candidacy for Gabon’s democratic transition.

General Brice Oligui Nguema’s declaration to run for president marks a significant development in Gabon’s political landscape following his military-led coup in 2023. While he has received popular backing, several opposition groups are advocating for adherence to prior promises of transitioning to civilian rule. The nation awaits the elections, with Nguema’s actions potentially shaping the future of democracy in Gabon.

Original Source: www.tv47.digital