Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, has claimed a decisive victory in the country’s presidential election, securing approximately 90 percent of the votes, according to provisional results from the Interior Ministry. This election marks a significant moment for Gabon, as it is the first since Nguema led a military coup in 2023 that ended the long-standing Bongo family’s rule.
His main opponent, Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, received only about three percent of the votes. Nguema was widely expected to win, having played a crucial role in dismantling the Bongo dynasty that had dominated Gabon for 55 years. On election day, Bilie-By-Nze raised concerns about potential issues during the counting process, but Nguema assured the public that the electoral process was transparent.
In his first international interview after the election, Nguema expressed his commitment to "restore dignity to the Gabonese people." He promised to return what has been taken from them and emphasized the importance of addressing the country’s challenges. Nguema praised his administration’s foreign policy successes, highlighting increased diplomatic engagement with major powers like the United States, France, Russia, and China.
He also noted achievements in diplomacy, mentioning the arrival of 20 ambassadors and the opening of new embassies, including those from the United Kingdom and India. Nguema stated, “In 19 months, I have achieved a lot,” asserting that both he and the Gabonese people have succeeded in various areas.
However, the election results were not unexpected, and observers are already focusing on the challenges Nguema faces. Gabon has a history of concentrated power, and many citizens have not benefited from the country’s wealth, which includes significant oil, gold, and manganese reserves. Nearly 40 percent of young people in Gabon are unemployed, according to the World Bank.
As Nguema takes office with a seven-year mandate, some remain skeptical about whether real change will occur. Critics point out that the political landscape is still deeply tied to the Bongo era. Nguema, who was previously the head of the Republican Guard under Ali Bongo, and his rival, Bilie-By-Nze, both have backgrounds in the old regime. This raises questions about whether Nguema’s leadership will truly break from the past or simply rebrand it.
International observers and investors are closely watching Gabon, which is under pressure to demonstrate its ability to establish democratic legitimacy. The country faces a significant international debt of $3 billion and must address pressing issues like electricity restoration, food shortages, and job creation. Despite these challenges, the World Bank reported a slight economic growth of 2.9 percent in 2024, driven by infrastructure projects and increased production of oil, timber, and manganese.
As Gabon moves forward, the focus will be on whether Nguema can deliver on his promises and truly benefit the Gabonese people.