General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s junta leader, has declared his candidacy for the presidency in the April 12 election after taking power from the Bongo family in a coup. He cited public demand and a desire to improve the nation’s fortunes. While he announced his intentions amidst military support, opposition groups urge him to honor commitments for civilian governance. Gabon’s challenges remain substantial, with a significant portion of the population living in poverty despite natural resource wealth.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s junta, has declared his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming election scheduled for April 12. Nguema’s rise to power occurred in 2023 through a coup that dismantled the longstanding Bongo family’s rule. Following the coup, he promised to restore civilian governance but now appears to be positioning himself to lead the country himself, backed by a newly established constitution criticized for favoring him.
In his recent address to the Gabonese public, Nguema stated that his decision to run was made after much contemplation and in response to widespread invitations for him to do so. Speaking amidst heavy rains in Libreville, he expressed his commitment to uplifting the fortunes of Gabon, declaring, “I am a builder and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country,” highlighting his ambition for national development.
Following months of speculation regarding his intentions, Nguema officially affirmed that he was aware of military support for his candidacy and encouraged their participation in the election. His spokesperson clarified that while he must temporarily shed his military uniform for the duration of the campaign, he would revert to military service if he does not win.
The junta, led by Nguema, ended the Bongo dynasty after 55 years of political dominance. Ali Bongo ruled for 14 years following in his father’s footsteps, Omar Bongo, who had served for 41 years. Despite the recent political upheaval, there are calls from opposition groups urging Nguema to fulfill his earlier promise of transitioning power to civilian leadership.
Despite Gabon’s significant natural wealth, including oil and forests, a substantial portion of its 2.4 million residents live under the poverty line according to United Nations estimates. There is growing anticipation regarding the implications of Nguema’s candidacy and how it will affect Gabon’s socio-political landscape in the forthcoming elections.
General Brice Oligui Nguema has announced his candidacy for the presidency in Gabon, following a coup that ended decades of Bongo family rule. Amidst growing calls for civilian governance, Nguema’s move has been marked by promises of development and military backing, despite opposition concerns regarding his commitment to a democratic transition. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for Gabon’s future, particularly in terms of addressing poverty and governance reforms.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
