Politics

Gabon’s Transition Complete: General Oligui Nguema Becomes President

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 4th, 2025.

Gabon’s Transition Complete: General Oligui Nguema Becomes President

On May 3, 2025, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was officially sworn in as Gabon’s president, marking a significant turning point in the nation’s political journey. The ceremony took place in Libreville, the capital, with thousands of citizens and dignitaries in attendance.

Key Highlights:

Inauguration Ceremony: The event was held at a stadium north of Libreville, filled to capacity with enthusiastic supporters donning Oligui-branded attire and waving flags. Notable attendees included Gambian President Adama Barrow, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Equatorial Guinea’s long-serving leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

End of Bongo Dynasty: The inauguration marks the end of a nine-month transitional period following the August 30, 2023 coup that abruptly ended the 55-year political dynasty of the Bongo family. Former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled since 2009 after succeeding his father Omar Bongo (1967-2009), was deposed by mutinous soldiers moments after electoral authorities declared his controversial third-term victory.

Electoral Victory: In the April 12, 2025 presidential election, General Oligui Nguema secured a decisive victory with