Gabon president Brice Oligui Nguema launches political party

• President Brice Oligui Nguema launched a new political party called UDB.
• The Democratic Union of Builders seeks to rebuild the Gabonese social contract.
• Nguema aims to create a political culture that avoids indoctrination.
• He won a presidential election with nearly 95 percent of the vote amidst no reported irregularities.
• The inaugural congress was attended by thousands, including former Bongo government officials.

The Democratic Union of Builders is Officially Announced

The Inaugural Launch of UDB On Saturday, July 6, 2025, President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, who recently assumed power following a coup, duly launched a new political entity titled the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB). The newly established party arises from, and intends to, revamp what it describes as a “shared desire to rebuild the Gabonese social contract” after ushering in a new era away from the Bongo family’s long-standing dominance over the political landscape. A statement issued regarding the party indicated that its motto—”inclusion, development, happiness”—highlights a straightforward ambition: to unite, reform, and elevate the nation of Gabon beyond its recent tumultuous history. A Clear Break from the Past This party development comes on the heels of Nguema’s dramatic ascension to power, following the overthrow of Ali Bongo. This pivotal coup, executed in August 2023, effectively dismantled over five decades of continuity marked by the Bongo dynasty, which has been a hallmark of Gabonese governance. Claiming an overwhelming victory in the recent presidential elections held in April, Nguema triumphed with an impressive 95 percent of the vote cast. Notably, international observers reported that there were no significant irregularities throughout the election process, which has added a layer of political legitimacy to his regime. At the inaugural congress, a remarkable assembly of supporters gathered, including several former prominent figures from the previous Bongo administration.

A New Era of Governance in Gabon

Transitioning Leadership Styles In his opening address, President Nguema vehemently denounced the overshadowing influence of political parties that he described as past instruments of indoctrination. He candidly asserted his commitment to fostering a platform that encourages democratic practices, emphasizing the importance of a primary election system to determine candidates for the party. “The country went through 50 years of politics where leaders were instrumentalized by their political party,” he remarked, indicating a desire for a paradigm shift away from that model. His party aims to forge a refreshing political path that prioritizes the needs of the Gabonese people rather than the personal agendas of entrenched political elites. Nguema’s focus appears to be on revitalizing Gabon’s political framework, attempting to create a more inclusive approach to governance in a nation that has seen considerable instability.

In summary, Gabon’s recent political developments reveal a significant transition as President Brice Oligui Nguema establishes the Democratic Union of Builders, signaling a new approach to governance in the country. His ideological commitment towards inclusion and development reflects an effort to dismantle the legacies of the Bongo family’s lengthy dominance. With his pledged reforms, including a new primary system for candidate selection, Nguema appears to be positioning himself as a transformative leader aiming to establish a more participatory and accountable political landscape in Gabon.