Gabon’s Military Leader Nguema to Run for President in April Election
TLDR
- Gabon’s military leader, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, has announced his candidacy for the country’s April 12 presidential election
- Nguema seized power in August 2023, overthrowing President Ali Bongo, whose family had ruled the oil-rich nation for 55 years
- His announcement follows a weekend meeting where he acknowledged support from the military and urged them to vote
Gabon’s military leader, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, has announced his candidacy for the country’s April 12 presidential election, confirming months of speculation about his political ambitions.
Nguema seized power in August 2023, overthrowing President Ali Bongo, whose family had ruled the oil-rich nation for 55 years. At the time, he pledged a return to civilian rule. However, recent constitutional and electoral reforms have raised concerns that the transition process was structured to favor his candidacy.
Speaking in Libreville on Monday, Nguema said he was running in response to public calls, adding, "I am a builder, and I need your courage to rebuild this country." His announcement follows a weekend meeting where he acknowledged support from the military and urged them to vote. His spokesperson denied reports that he had resigned from the army, clarifying that he would only leave the military permanently if elected.
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Key Takeaways
Nguema’s candidacy signals a shift from a military-led transition to a formalized political bid. While supporters see him as a stabilizing force, critics argue the new legal framework gives him an advantage. Regional leaders, including Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang, have endorsed him, while opposition groups insist on a full return to civilian rule. Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, a third of its 2.4 million people live in poverty, making economic reform a central election issue.
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