Polling 90.35 percent of the vote in a presidential election held after a 20-month military transition,
General Brice Oligui Nguema received a flurry of congratulatory messages from his counterparts in several African countries.
This followed the announcement of Gen Oligui’s victory.
The African leaders hailed an election n Gabon deemed peaceful and a source of hope
for regional stability.
The results, announced Sunday, April 13, by the Minister of the Interior, have yet to be validated by the Constitutional Court.
The election, which officially ends a 20-month transition following the fall of Ali Bongo in August 2023, is being hailed as a moment of stability and renewal for the country.
The President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, expressed “warm congratulations to my younger brother”, General Brice Oligui Nguema, on his victory in Gabon’s presidential elections.
”I salute the Gabonese people for the success of an electoral process marked by peace and serenity,” the Guinea-Bissau leader posted on X.
Ivorian leader Alassane Ouattara looked forward to “continuing, with him, the strengthening of the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama hailed a “peaceful transition to democratic governance” and stated that “Gabon will continue to play a crucial role in promoting stability and prosperity in our region.”
Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Chadian transitional president, reiterated his “commitment to working together to address the common challenges of our sub-region, but also to strengthen our long-standing bilateral relations.”
This early diplomatic recognition could strengthen the legitimacy of the general-president even before the official validation of the election, at a time when the international community is closely
monitoring the political developments in Gabon.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA