Military Leader Wins Presidential Election in Gabon

General Brice Oligui Nguema won Gabon’s presidential election, securing over 90% of the vote, and reaffirming his control over the Central African nation. This victory follows a military coup in 2023, which saw Nguema overthrow the long-standing Bongo dynasty that had ruled Gabon for decades. Despite his promise to relinquish power after the coup, Nguema ran in the election under a new electoral code that allowed military officers to contest, eventually winning the presidency. Gabon, an oil-rich country with significant mineral resources, remains plagued by inequality and high corruption, which Nguema must now address during his seven-year term.

Key Points

Background of Brice Oligui Nguema

• Military Coup (2023): Nguema deposed Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had been in power for 14 years, and ended the Bongo family rule that lasted for over 40 years.
• Previous Role: Before the coup, Nguema was the head of the Republican Guard, serving as an aide to Omar Bongo and later his son, Ali Bongo.

Presidential Election

• Provisional Results: General Nguema secured over 90% of the vote, according to the Interior Ministry.
• Main Opponent: Former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze conceded defeat on April 14, 2025.
• Election Process: The election was largely peaceful, with no major disruptions observed by election monitors.

Return of Military Leadership in Africa

• Trend of Military Coups: Nguema’s election highlights the increased return of military leaders to power in West and Central Africa, with several countries experiencing military takeovers in recent years.
• For example, Mahamat Déby, the leader of Chad, also won a presidential election in 2024 after taking power by force in 2021.

Economic and Social Challenges

• Oil Dependency: Gabon’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, contributing to 38% of its GDP, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices.
• Youth Unemployment: Over 40% of young people in Gabon face unemployment, indicating significant economic disparity despite the country’s wealth.
• Corruption: Gabon remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world, with its political system long criticized for lack of transparency and accountability.