Brice Oligui Nguema Sworn In as President of Gabon, Ends 19-Month Transition Rule

Libreville, Gabon —  General Brice Oligui Nguema has been officially sworn in as Gabon’s president, marking the end of a 19-month transitional government that began with the ousting of long-time leader Ali Bongo Ondimba in a military coup.

Nguema, who led the August 2023 coup that dismantled the Bongo family’s 55-year reign, secured a landslide victory in the April 12 presidential election, winning nearly 95% of the vote. His inauguration on May 3 symbolizes a return to constitutional rule and democratic order in the oil-rich Central African nation.

In his inaugural address, President Nguema pledged to overhaul Gabon’s economic foundations by reducing dependency on oil revenues, expanding infrastructure, and tackling youth unemployment. He also promised reforms in education and healthcare, as well as improving access to clean water across rural areas.

Born in 1975 in Ngouoni and a cousin to former President Ali Bongo, Nguema was trained at Morocco’s prestigious Meknes Royal Military Academy. His military ascent included leadership of Gabon’s powerful Republican Guard before seizing power in 2023 amid claims of electoral fraud and misrule under Bongo’s administration.

Since taking control, Nguema has sought to reassure both citizens and investors, launching economic reforms to restructure Gabon’s national debt with support from more than 10 financial institutions. The government aims to convert short-term treasury bills into long-term securities and stabilize public finances through new financing arrangements.

As Gabon enters this new political chapter, all eyes now turn to the scheduled legislative and local elections in September, seen as the next litmus test for democratic consolidation under Nguema’s leadership.