Libreville, Gabon — Brice Oligui Nguema has vowed to steer Gabon toward a new chapter following a sweeping victory in the country’s presidential election over the weekend. The result, which gives Nguema a seven-year mandate, marks a pivotal moment after more than 50 years of Bongo family rule.
Nguema, 50, assumed power in a military coup in 2023 that removed President Ali Bongo. He later declared his candidacy and secured 90.35% of the vote, according to provisional results. His victory was widely anticipated, fueled by popular support for the coup and his pledges to fight corruption and diversify the oil-dependent economy.
Speaking to supporters following the announcement of the results, Nguema said, “There is no happiness without effort… Our country is under construction.” He emphasized that work would begin immediately, declaring Monday a working day for the nation.
Since taking control, Nguema has positioned himself as a reformer. Days after the coup, he summoned the heads of public institutions and ordered them to return any embezzled funds within 48 hours. A subsequent crackdown led to the arrest of several corporate executives and public hearings on corruption involving government officials.
Observers have noted that Nguema’s background ties him closely to the previous administration. He served as aide-de-camp to long-time ruler Omar Bongo and later commanded the Republican Guard under Ali Bongo, his cousin. Though he has pledged to step back from military duties, skepticism remains about whether his leadership will represent a true departure from the past.
Saturday’s election proceeded without major incident, in contrast to the disputed votes of 2016 and 2023, which were accompanied by allegations of fraud, internet blackouts, and violent unrest. “This time, everything went smoothly, without any problems,” said Worah Jean Yves, a student at a university in Libreville.
Nguema’s closest challenger, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, received just over 3% of the vote. While conceding defeat, he expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process due to the wide margin.
Political analysts are divided on what Nguema’s presidency could mean for the country. “Many Gabonese hope that this is a transformational moment,” said Rogers Orock, an expert on Central African politics. “But there is also concern that this could be a continuation of authoritarian rule in a new form.”
Nguema has also faced scrutiny regarding his finances. A 2020 investigation by an international consortium of investigative journalists revealed that he purchased three properties in the U.S. state of Maryland for over $1 million in cash. He declined to comment on the findings, citing privacy.
Despite these concerns, Nguema has committed to maintaining Gabon’s close relationship with France, setting him apart from other recent military leaders in West and Central Africa who have severed ties with their former colonial power.
In launching his campaign, Nguema spoke of a “Gabon that rises from the ashes,” calling on citizens to support him in building a new future for the country.
