Brice Oligui Nguema, a military leader who orchestrated a coup in 2023, has won the Gabonese presidential election by an overwhelming majority, according to provisional results. The Interior Ministry reported that Nguema secured approximately 90 percent of the vote, marking a significant shift in Gabon’s political landscape. His election marks the end of 55 years of dynastic rule by the Bongo family. This win lays the path for his seven-year long mandate, which he is allowed to renew once.
Even though reformers like Nguema campaigned as reformers. He vowed to bring integrity back to the Gabonese people and to end state corruption. He used to wear a baseball cap sporting his campaign slogan, “We Build Together,” whenever he went out in public. This concise slogan resonated with an electorate desperate for a message about change and a new day.
Promises of Reform and Economic Diversification
In his victory speech, Nguema pledged to focus on diversifying Gabon’s oil-dependent economy. To build a more sustainable economic future, he promised to invest in agriculture, tourism, and industry. It is this concerted, multifaceted approach that addresses the population’s most pressing needs first—their immediate needs. It prioritizes reestablishing power, addressing lack of food, and generating employment.
“I will give back to the people what they have given me today. And everything that has been stolen from the people, I want to return to them,” – Brice Oligui Nguema
The new president’s first major speech called for reform to ensure Gabon’s abundant natural resources benefited all citizens. She wants oil, gold, and manganese resources to benefit all citizens of the DRC, not just a select few elites. His administration’s first focus on economic reform has been lauded extensively. This happy news arrives at a time when the Gabonese people have endured enormous hardships over past years.
Success in Foreign Relations
Nguema recently declared Gabon’s foreign policy a success. He pointed to the country’s increased international engagement and significant diplomatic successes during his short time in office. He underscored the point that Gabon has already positioned itself as a willing partner. It partners with other global powers including the United States, France, Russia, and China.
During his short address, Nguema proclaimed, “We have a foreign policy, which I want to put an aggressiveness to.” He stressed the importance of all of these international connections to Gabon’s future economic development.
“We have received 20 ambassadors, with six accredited here in Libreville,” – Brice Oligui Nguema
His administration is clearly committed to deepening diplomatic relations. These combined efforts are sure to bring positive results to Gabon’s economic and social development.
Achievements in Governance
In fewer than two years in office, though, Nguema has already logged some significant diplomatic wins. Yet he contends that these achievements are the fruits of his ineffable greatness as a leader. He boasted at length about his administration’s record to date. “We have gotten a lot done in just 19 months,” he said.
He stressed the need to recognize that we all win together. So, I have succeeded on all fronts — not just me, but the Gabonese people have succeeded on all fronts,” he trumpeted. This statement is indicative of his desire to bring the country together to tackle its most urgent priorities.
Political analysts are predicting that Nguema rise to power will bring drastic changes towards governance and public policy. He takes aim at deep-rooted challenges such as corruption and an economic dependence on oil. The thing is, a lot of average citizens are very hopeful about the future right now.
“People here are focused on immediate needs: restoring electricity, addressing food shortages, creating jobs, and — most importantly — ensuring the country’s vast natural wealth benefits ordinary citizens,” – Hashem
