Gabon witnesses Nguema’s assumption of control.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a former head of the Republican Guard, was sworn in as president of Gabon on Saturday, following his triumph in the April 12 election with almost 95% of the votes. The Constitutional Court confirmed that Nguema received 58,074 votes, representing 94.85% of the total. This result was expected as Nguema is perceived as the figure who ended the half-century reign of the Bongo dynasty. He overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba in a 2023 coup and was appointed as the transitional committee’s president.
Nguema’s rise to power comes amid accusations that the Bongo family’s opulent lifestyle, funded by oil revenues, contrasted sharply with the struggles of the population. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Angondjé stadium and was attended by high-profile African leaders like Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. The latter two have been involved in recent peace negotiations concerning the conflict between Congolese forces and Rwanda-backed rebels in Congo’s eastern region.
The central African nation’s 2.3 million citizens, with a third living in poverty despite the country’s oil wealth, considered this year’s election as a pivotal moment. Nguema’s campaign has focused on anti-corruption measures and national development, with key pledges including healthcare improvement, infrastructure projects, and job creation for the youth.