Gabon votes after coup: high expectations for Brice Oligui Nguema!

Gabon votes after coup: high expectations for Brice Oligui Nguema!

On April 12, 2025, the people of Gabon elected a new president. This election took place a year and a half after the military coup that ushered in the seizure of power by General Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema on August 30, 2023. Oligui Nguema emerged as the most promising candidate after successfully unseating his cousin Ali Bongo, the long-time head of state. Bongo had been in power since 2009 after he took over following the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for 42 years. The political change initiated by Oligui was celebrated by many Gabonese as a liberation from corruption and poor governance.

The election results are expected on Monday, April 14, 2025. 920,000 people were called to vote. Voter turnout was over 87 percent, which indicates the population's great interest in a new beginning. Oligui expressed confidence and wished the best candidates success. His main opponent was former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, while a total of eight candidates, including one woman, stood for election. Oligui dominated the election campaign: in the capital Libreville, his competitors' election posters were barely visible, while long queues formed in front of the polling stations.

Oligui Nguema's career

As commander of the Garde Républicaine, Oligui Nguema was responsible for the president's security. He had a military career that began early and was educated at the Royal Military Academy in Meknes, Morocco. After the death of Omar Bongo in 2009, Oligui initially served in diplomatic positions before being recalled to Gabon in 2018. After Ali Bongo suffered a stroke, he took charge of the Garde Républicaine's secret service and was later promoted to commander.

Under his leadership, the special forces unit grew from approximately 30 to over 300 members. There is speculation that Oligui Nguema was already involved in strengthening Ali Bongo's power before the coup, as the announcement of his coup took place at the presidential palace. His control over the Garde Républicaine and his knowledge of diplomatic and military procedures may have given him the decisive advantage in seizing power.

The challenges for Gabon

Despite hopes for change, Gabon faces significant challenges, including infrastructure deficiencies, bureaucracy and frequent power outages. The majority of the population lives in poverty, despite the country's wealth of raw materials. According to the World Bank, unemployment among young people is alarmingly high, at nearly 40 percent.

The international community is watching Gabon with concern. Since 2020, there have been a number of military coups in Africa, seen by many as a response to grievances and violence in the former colonies. Viewpoints on military intervention vary: a poll shows that 54% of Africans support military intervention in serious abuses of power, while 42% oppose it. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described recent events as an “epidemic of coups”.

The EU deployed election observers, but their access was denied in several locations, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. However, Oligui Nguema described the vote as “transparent” and “peaceful”. In Gabon, many citizens hope that the election will bring change and progress, but remain skeptical about future developments given the geopolitical unrest in Africa.