To officially present his candidacy, the former head of the presidential guard must temporarily remove his military uniform while campaigning
Gabon Military Ruler Announces Presidential Bid, Will Return to Barracks If Not Elected
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader who led a coup in 2023 to end 55 years of Bongo dynasty rule, has announced his intention to run for president in the upcoming election on April 12.
Following the ousting of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, Oligui had initially pledged to transfer power back to civilian authorities after an interim period. However, the new electoral code approved by the transitional parliament in January now allows military personnel and magistrates to participate in the election.
Oligui, who turned 50 on Monday, articulated his vision for the seven-year presidential term as “a Gabon rising from the ashes,” pledging to address the country’s infrastructure challenges. “I am a builder, and I need your courage and strength to build this country,” he stated while speaking under heavy rain.
To officially present his candidacy, the former head of the presidential guard must temporarily remove his military uniform while campaigning, according to information shared on his official Facebook account, Infos CTRI Officiel. “At the end of the election period, he will return to wear his military uniform while awaiting the results,” the message indicated, adding that he would only remain in uniform if he is not elected.
In the event of an election loss, he will return to the barracks. Before his announcement on Monday, Oligui made appearances at numerous public events, including a large military rally on Saturday and a Sunday mass where priests released a flock of doves in his honor. Rumors had circulated that Oligui resigned from his military post on Saturday ahead of his presidential campaign.
After a 28-year army career, the message from Infos CTRI Officiel emphasized that a seven-year term in office “will not change his way of thinking and acting.” It added, “He will remain pragmatic and true to his values.”
Notably, members of Gabon’s defense and security forces constitute 11 percent of the electorate in the country, which has a population of approximately 2.3 million. Despite his military strongman image, Oligui has worked to present himself as an empathetic leader who connects with the people. To attract younger voters in a country where half the population is under 20, he even distributed free tickets to a concert by L’Oiseau Rare, a renowned figure in Gabon’s Ntcham music genre.
Candidates must confirm their intent to run by March 8, and the registration process includes a language test, a medical exam, and an asset declaration. Recent reports indicate that around 20 potential challengers to Oligui had already withdrawn from the race last week. Read More
