Gabon is currently undergoing its first presidential election since the 2023 coup. This coup deposed the Bongo family’s 55-year dominance of the country’s leadership. Brice Oligui Nguema, the head of the coup, is campaigning to become president with a seven-year term. He will have to get past seven opponents, the main challenge coming from Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze. This election marks a time of new beginnings in Gabon’s political landscape. Nguema pledges to return power to civilians after almost six decades of military rule.
Nguema’s climb to the top of Gabon’s political rung first started when he was an aide-de-camp to Omar Bongo. He eventually served as chief of the presidential guard under Ali Bongo. His leadership in the former Republican Guard gave the necessary troops and support to drive the recent coup. This action effectively broke the Bongo family’s dynastic rule since 1967. Nguema became transitional president following the coup. He has since collectively spearheaded the creation of a new, largely civilian membership government. He has been appointed to write a new constitution for the country.
Even with these advances, critics are raising a red flag. They charge Nguema with failing to completely break from the former regime’s decades-long, entrenched practice of pillaging Gabon’s extensive mineral wealth. His deeply militaristic background raises particular concerns. Is it really possible for him to usher in an era of change, accountability and integrity, breaking the hold of past administrations on Washington?
During his campaign, like a true revolutionary, Nguema unabashedly renounces his martial heritage. After a successful military career, he trades in the uniform and emerges as a charismatic candidate for change. He’s held a consistent lead in opinion polls, indicating he’s become the clear choice among voters.
His only serious opponent, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, has cast himself as the candidate of change. He pledges a “full break” with previous practices. Artist Bilie By Nze has stated that this election will determine the trajectory of Gabon’s future.
“In reality, it’s an election of total change. It’s a challenge and we are at a crossroads,” – Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze.
Throughout the election, Nguema has been fervently advocating for his vision to radically change Gabon’s political landscape. He is justly taking the fight to the graft that’s developed after decades of political mismanagement by the Bongo family.
“The builder is here, the special candidate, the one you called,” – Brice Oligui Nguema.
