Approximately two years after spearheading a coup that ended over five decades of Bongo family governance, Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, has declared his candidacy for the April presidential elections.

Following President Ali Bongo’s removal in August 2023, Nguema committed to returning governance to civilians after a transitional phase.

In January, the transitional Parliament gave approval for a new electoral code, which allows military officers and magistrates to contest in elections.

Nguema announced his candidacy during a speech given in Gabon’s capital. The 50-year-old articulated a vision of a ‘Gabon rising from the ashes’, urging the assembly to back his candidacy.

To stand for the presidency, the ex-head of the presidential guard, as per Infos CTRI officiel’s Facebook page, must relinquish his military position, at least temporarily.

“Should he fail to be elected, he will return to the barracks,” the page informed.

Gabon’s elections are scheduled for April 12th.