Brice Oligui Nguema was once the Commander-in-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard during Ali Bongo’s reign. In 2023, he led a coup d’état against him and forced him out of office after winning a third term of seven years. Although he was excluded from the inner Bongo family circle, Nguema is a popular figure in Gabon’s political landscape. These are the events leading to his election victory.
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2023 Military Coup
In August 2023, after Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared the president for another seven years, the military announced on television it had ceded power. It immediately declared the election results void, shut down the borders, arrested Bongo, his wife and son, and declared Brice Oligui Nguema the transitional leader. The military was on the streets cheering with civilians on the topple. The Bongo family ruled the country for over a century.
Ali Bongo’s health was a concern after suffering from a stroke in 2018, so his decision to run for office again stirred dissatisfaction. The military conducted the coup without any resistance, ushering in new leadership.
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April Presidential Election
Brice Oligui Nguema took charge as interim president and has received praise for nationalizing some oil assets. Furthermore, his quest to bring democracy earned him allies after ending the Bongo family dynasty.
Going into the polls in April, he was the favourite against his main rival, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Zenaba Gninga Chaning, Axel Stophène Ibinga Ibinga, Stéphane Iloko Boussengui, Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma, Alain Simplice Boungoueres, and Joseph Lapensee Essingone.
According to provisional results, he won the election on a landslide with 90% of the vote. Despite his outright victory, he was accused of excluding candidates who would threaten his ability to get the seat.
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Who is Brice Oligui Nguema?
Brice Oligui Nguema was born on 3 March 1975 in Ngouoni, Haut-Ogooué Province, Gabon. He is part of the Bongo family and a cousin to Ali Bongo. Oligui attended the Omar Bongo University and the Meknes Royal Military Academy. He served in different offices:
- President of Gabon
- Chairman of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions
- Minister of Defense and Security
- Commander-in-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard
- Head of Intelligence for the Republican Guard
- Military Attaché
Summary
Brice Oligui Nguema’s ascension to power signals a change in Gabon’s leadership. Firstly, it crashed the Bongo family dynasty, secondly, it ended military rule, and lastly, it ushered in a democratically elected government. He has his detractors, but many will hope this will be the beginning of constitutional respect where one person isn’t holding to power, and that the country gears toward democracy.
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