General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was officially sworn in as President of Gabon on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new political chapter for the Central African nation. The ceremony followed his overwhelming victory in the April 12 presidential election, where he secured nearly 95% of the vote—cementing his position as the country’s new leader after serving in an interim capacity since the 2023 coup.
According to the final results announced by Gabon’s Constitutional Court, Nguema, 50, garnered 58,074 votes, amounting to 94.85% of the total ballots cast. The landslide win was largely anticipated, as the former head of the Republican Guard has enjoyed strong public support since leading the military takeover that ousted long-time president Ali Bongo Ondimba nearly two years ago.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Angondjé Stadium in Libreville and was attended by thousands of citizens and several high-profile African dignitaries. Notable among them were President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda—two influential leaders who have recently been engaged in peace negotiations amid heightened tensions and conflict in eastern Congo.
End of the Bongo Dynasty
General Nguema’s rise to power marks the end of the Bongo family’s five-decade rule, a political dynasty that began with Omar Bongo in 1967 and continued under his son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, who assumed office in 2009. In August 2023, following a disputed election and rising public dissatisfaction, Nguema led a bloodless coup that removed Bongo from power.
Nguema, a cousin of the deposed president, was subsequently declared transitional leader by a military committee. He pledged to restore democratic order, fight corruption, and initiate wide-ranging reforms to revive the nation’s economy and institutions.
Critics had long accused the Bongo regime of mismanaging the country’s vast oil wealth while millions of Gabonese citizens languished in poverty. Though the country is among Africa’s top oil producers, about one-third of its 2.3 million population lives below the poverty line, according to international development organizations.
A New Era with Reform Promises
In his inaugural speech, President Nguema reiterated his commitment to transforming Gabon’s economic and social landscape.
“This election was not just about victory at the polls—it was about giving Gabon back to its people,” he declared. “We are turning the page on decades of inequality, mismanagement, and missed opportunities. A new Gabon is possible, and we will build it together.”
He emphasized his administration’s top priorities: fighting corruption, creating jobs for youth, expanding infrastructure, and improving access to healthcare and education.
“Every Gabonese deserves access to decent medical care, good roads, and an opportunity to work and contribute to national development,” he said. “Our young people are the backbone of this nation. We will invest in them, we will listen to them, and we will empower them.”
Nguema’s reform-focused campaign resonated with many voters, especially among the youth, who see him as a symbol of change and hope. “He gave us reason to believe that things can be different,” said Marie Ndong, a 28-year-old university graduate from Libreville. “Under the Bongos, we felt forgotten. But with President Nguema, we feel heard.”
Continental Support and Regional Implications
The presence of continental heavyweights like Kagame and Tshisekedi at the inauguration signaled growing regional support for Nguema’s leadership. Despite initial concerns from the African Union and international observers following the 2023 coup, many now view his administration as a stabilizing force in a region often plagued by political unrest.
President Kagame, speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, congratulated Nguema and expressed optimism about Gabon’s future under his leadership. “The people of Gabon have made their voices heard. We stand ready to work together to build a more prosperous and peaceful region,” Kagame said.
Meanwhile, President Tshisekedi emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing economic and security challenges. “Central Africa must unite for progress. Gabon’s peaceful transition and democratic process is a model we can all learn from,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
Nguema’s administration faces high expectations from a public eager for tangible improvements in their daily lives. Observers note that while his electoral win gives him a strong mandate, delivering on campaign promises will be crucial to maintaining public trust.
Analyst Jean-Baptiste Mve, a political science lecturer at the University of Libreville, said: “Nguema’s popularity is undeniable, but the real test begins now. Citizens want jobs, schools, hospitals—not just speeches. His ability to move from rhetoric to action will define his legacy.”
For now, the mood in Gabon is largely optimistic. Streets in Libreville were filled with celebrations as supporters waved flags and danced to traditional music after the inauguration.
“This is a new dawn for us,” said Paul Ekoumé, a retired civil servant. “We have endured too much in the past. But today, we believe again.”
As General Brice Oligui Nguema begins his presidency with a nearly unanimous electoral mandate, the nation—and the world—will be watching closely to see if he can turn bold promises into lasting progress.
