LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Gabon’s interim President, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has declared his intention to run in the nation’s presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2025. Nguema, who turned 50 on March 3, led the 2023 military coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, ending over five decades of the Bongo family’s rule in the oil-rich Central African nation.
Addressing supporters in the capital, Libreville, Nguema stated, “After careful consideration and in response to your numerous appeals, I have decided to stand as a candidate in the presidential election.”
In November 2024, Gabon approved a new constitution via a referendum, establishing a seven-year presidential term renewable once. The new charter does not bar Nguema from running for the presidency, a provision that differs from other transitional leaders in similar situations.
The upcoming election marks a significant step in Gabon’s return to democratic governance following the 2023 coup.
