Gabonese military leader General Brice Oligui Nguema has announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election on April 12, following a coup that ended Bongo family rule. His decision is met with both support and criticism, particularly regarding a new constitution favoring his bid. Nguema, acknowledging military support, emphasized his commitment to improve Gabon’s fortunes amidst calls for a return to civilian leadership.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader of Gabon, has publicly declared his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming election scheduled for April 12. Nguema came to power through a coup in 2023, which ended the long-standing Bongo family rule, and had promised to transition power back to civilians. Despite these intentions, critics argue that the recently enacted constitution and electoral code appear to favor his candidacy.
In a speech delivered to Gabonese citizens in Libreville, Nguema indicated his decision to run stemmed from extensive deliberation and numerous appeals from the populace. He emphasized his commitment to transforming the fortunes of the resource-rich nation, stating, “I am a builder and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country.” This announcement comes after months of speculation about his political ambitions.
During a meeting with military personnel, Nguema acknowledged their support for his presidential aspirations and encouraged them to participate in the electoral process. His spokesman later clarified that while Nguema would temporarily relinquish his military uniform during the campaign, he is not required to leave the military permanently unless he wins the election, after which he would return to the barracks if unsuccessful.
The Nguema-led junta is credited with ending over five decades of leadership under the Bongo dynasty, following the ousting of Ali Bongo, who ruled for 14 years after succeeding his father, Omar Bongo. Recently, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the president of neighboring Equatorial Guinea, publicly endorsed Nguema, suggesting that his leadership could lead to a prosperous future for Gabon. However, several opposition and civil society groups continue to call for the junta to honor their commitment to returning power to civilian governance.
General Brice Oligui Nguema’s bid for the Gabonese presidency follows his leadership role in overthrowing the Bongo family dynasty. His announcement has ignited discussions regarding the new electoral framework, which some consider biased. While Nguema presents himself as a transformative figure for Gabon, significant public pressure remains for him to fulfill his promise of civilian governance after the transition.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
