Gabon Junta Leader Nguema Announces Presidential Candidacy

Gabon’s junta leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the April 12 election. After seizing power in a coup, his administration has been criticized for electoral reforms perceived as favoring his candidacy. Despite calls for a return to civilian leadership, Nguema is seeking support for his campaign amidst significant socio-economic challenges in Gabon.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s military junta, has declared his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming election scheduled for April 12. Nguema assumed power in a coup in 2023, which ended the Bongo family’s long-standing rule. Although he had committed to restoring civilian governance, recent constitutional and electoral changes have drawn criticism for appearing to benefit his presidential bid.

During a public address in Libreville, under adverse weather conditions, Nguema voiced his readiness to lead and effectuate change in Gabon, a nation rich in oil resources. He emphasized his desire to build the nation, requesting support from Gabonese citizens. His official announcement comes after months of speculation regarding his intent to claim the presidency.

Acknowledging the military’s enthusiasm for his candidacy, Nguema assured his troops that he understood their wishes. There was speculation that he had resigned from the military, a requirement for presidential candidates, which his spokesman later clarified was not the case. He would, however, need to temporarily shed his military uniform during the campaign.

The junta led by Nguema is noted for its role in ending 55 years of the Bongo dynasty, which included Ali Bongo’s 14 years in office following his father Omar Bongo’s 41-year presidency. Encouragement for his candidacy has also come from regional leaders, including Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Conversely, some opposition groups are pressing Nguema to uphold his pledge to transition power back to civilians.

Despite the country’s significant oil wealth and extensive forest resources, a substantial portion of Gabon’s 2.4 million populace lives in poverty, as reported by the United Nations.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, having risen to power through a military coup, is now seeking the Gabonese presidency. Despite promises to return civilian governance, his recent moves have attracted scrutiny over motivations behind his presidential candidacy. In light of the significant poverty in Gabon, concerns persist among opposition groups regarding the junta leader’s commitment to a genuine democratic transition.

Original Source: www.bbc.com