Gabon’s transitional president, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12.
He made his announcement during a speech at the Cité de la Démocratie, emphasizing his commitment to continue the nation’s “renaissance” that began during his interim leadership since the August 30, 2023 coup.
In his address on March 3, Nguema highlighted his accomplishments since assuming power and shared his vision for Gabon’s future.
“Our pursuit of prosperity in this country can only be realized through hard work—work, work, work. We must dedicate ourselves to the betterment of Gabon, as happiness cannot be achieved without effort,” the transitional president remarked while reflecting on his 18 months in office.
On the diplomatic front, Nguema celebrated the successful lifting of sanctions by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and other international bodies, as well as the historic election of a Gabonese national to lead the ASECNA. He noted, “For 30 years, we had lost such prestigious international positions. The last Gabonese to hold such a post was Jean Ping, and we let that opportunity slip away.”
He also pointed out the strengthening of relations with Equatorial Guinea, stating, “Together with patriarch Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the esteemed elder among heads of state, I succeeded in launching an interconnection project with our sister republic, which has provided us with 12 megawatts of energy.”
Pledging to create a Gabon where “raw materials are processed locally,” “local communities flourish through true decentralization,” and “inequalities are mitigated by ambitious social policies,” Oligui Nguema called on his fellow citizens to join him “for the love of Gabon, for our children, and for future generations.”
“With your support, we will transform this country so that every Gabonese—in every village, city, and neighborhood—experiences the Renaissance and thrives in prosperity. This vision is not merely a dream; if it seems like a dream, we will make it a reality,” he declared, even invoking spiritual inspiration: “The Holy Spirit spoke to me. That is why I stand before you today.”
Nguema, who ascended to power after ousting Ali Bongo Ondimba in the August 30 coup, portrayed himself as “a simple citizen” acting “with humility and determination,” driven by a “duty to restore the dignity of the Gabonese people.”
AC/sf/lb/abj/APA