Gabon military leader, Oligui, to run for president in April election Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Nguema, publicized on Monday that he will run for president in the upcoming election on April 12, 2025.
Nguema, who led a coup in August 2023 to overthrow the Bongo family’s 55-year fundamentals, had initially promised to restore civilian governance after a transitional period.
However, a new electoral code approved in January by the transitional parliament opened the door for military personnel and magistrates to stand for election.
In a speech delivered on Monday in the capital, Libreville, Nguema, who turned 50, disclosed, “After careful reflection and in response to your many appeals, I’ve decided to be a candidate in the April 12 presidential election.”
According to AFP, he also outlined his vision for the future, describing a Gabon “rising from the ashes” and pledging to address the country’s pressing infrastructure challenges.
He emphasised that he was a “builder” and appealed for the strength and temerity of the people to help rebuild the nation.
To present his candidacy, the former head of the presidential guard must temporarily abandon his general’s uniform while dashing for election, according to the Facebook account for his communications, Infos CTRI Officiel.
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“At the end of the election period, he will again wear his military uniform while awaiting the results,” it revealed, adding that he would no longer wear the uniform if elected.
“If he’s not voted, he will bounce back to the barracks.”
The general has made several public appearances in recent days, including an enormous military rally and a church service where doves were released in his honour.
Although some rumors recommended he had already stepped down from his military role, his official communications have corroborated that he will maintain his military status until after the election.
Despite Nguema’s strong military profile, he has sought to present himself as the leader in touch with the people. To appeal to younger voters, nearly half of whom are under the age of 20, he recently distributed free concert tickets to a popular local artist, L’Oiseau Rare.
Candidates for the election have until March 8 to substantiate their intention to stand, with the process that includes a language test, medical exam, and asset declaration. While several would-be challengers have already withdrawn, Oligui is expected to face competition from other candidates.
In his campaign, Nguema pledged to tackle Gabon’s chronic power cuts and its growing national debt, which stands at 70 percent of the country’s GDP. Gabon’s debt, which amounted to approximately $12bn in 2023, has been a key issue for the country, which is rich in innate resources such as oil, timber, and manganese.
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Category: World-News
Tag: Gabon military leader Oligui to run for president in April election
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Published 3/4/2025