Gabon Junta Leader Nguema Announces Presidential Candidacy

General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, has announced his candidacy for president in the upcoming April 12 elections, following his 2023 coup against the Bongo family. Despite promises for civilian governance, recent constitutional changes have raised concerns about his ambitions. Nguema called for support from citizens to help transform the nation’s future amid ongoing poverty issues faced by many Gabonese citizens.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, has formally declared his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming election scheduled for April 12. He came to power in 2023 via a coup, which terminated the extended dominance of the Bongo family. Although he pledged to eventually transfer authority to civilian governance, recent constitutional changes are perceived by many as designed to facilitate his presidential ambitions.

In his announcement to the Gabonese populace, Nguema stated that he made the decision to run following “careful reflection and in response to your many appeals.” During an address to supporters amid torrential rain in Libreville, he expressed his commitment to transforming the nation’s fortunes, asserting, “I am a builder and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country.” His declaration came after prolonged speculation regarding his intentions to seek the presidency.

On Saturday, during a meeting with military personnel, Nguema acknowledged their desire for him to stand in the elections and encouraged them to participate in the voting process. He reassured them, stating, “I listened to you and, believe me, I understood you,” and promised to follow up shortly with further information.

There were rumors about Nguema’s potential departure from the military to meet the legal requirements for presidential candidates. However, his spokesman dismissed such claims while a Facebook page associated with him indicated that he would temporarily forgo his military uniform during the campaign. The page clarified that if elected, Nguema would have to leave the military permanently, and if elected did not take office, then he would return to military service.

Nurtured by the junta’s overthrow of the 55-year Bongo dynasty, Nguema’s leadership marks a significant political shift in Gabon. Ali Bongo had presided over the country for 14 years, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who maintained power for 41 years. In a show of regional support, Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has motivated Gabonese citizens to back Nguema for a brighter future.

Despite Gabon’s substantial oil resources and abundant natural forests, a troubling one-third of its 2.4 million population lives below the poverty line, as per United Nations estimates. Some opposition and civic organizations continue to press Nguema to uphold his promises and restore governance to civilians following this period of transition.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power through a coup in 2023, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of Gabon in the April 12 elections. While his bid comes amid promises of future civilian governance, recent legal changes raise concerns regarding his true commitment. His leadership represents a notable shift from decades of Bongo family rule, yet social and economic challenges remain significant for the nation’s populace.

Original Source: www.bbc.com