Gabon’s interim president, Brice Oligui Nguema, confirmed on Monday that he will run in the upcoming presidential election on April 12, 2025.
Nguema, who took power in a military coup last year, ended the decades-long rule of his predecessor, Ali Bongo, and his family. The coup was one of eight military takeovers in West and Central Africa between 2020 and 2023.
Speaking to a crowd in Libreville amid a heavy downpour, Nguema expressed his decision to enter the race after considering numerous public appeals. “After careful consideration and in response to your numerous appeals, I have decided to stand as a candidate in the presidential election,” he told his supporters.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment in Gabon’s political landscape, as many await to see if Nguema’s candidacy will bring stability to the nation, or further uncertainty. Gabon, an oil-rich but impoverished country, faces significant economic and political challenges.
Nguema’s decision to run has garnered mixed reactions. While some view it as a step towards democracy, others question the legitimacy of a leader who rose to power through a coup. His candidacy now sets the stage for a potentially contentious election in April.
The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring the election’s outcome. The world’s attention is fixed on Gabon as the nation prepares for a new chapter in its political history.
