In a political twist that feels both historic and familiar, Gabon’s former military leader, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has officially transitioned from coup leader to president after winning the April 2025 election by a staggering 94.85%. His rise to power, though celebrated by many as the end of decades-long Bongo family rule, is causing a stir among observers who question whether the change is genuine or simply a reshuffling of the elite deck.
Nguema led the August 2023 coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, bringing an end to more than 55 years of political dominance by the Bongo family. That military takeover was initially received with widespread approval, especially in Libreville, where thousands poured into the streets celebrating what they viewed as liberation from an increasingly autocratic regime. The general quickly moved to install a transitional government, promising to restore civilian rule through elections.
Fast forward to May 3, 2025, and Nguema stood before cheering crowds as he took the presidential oath in a lavish inauguration ceremony. He vowed to overhaul Gabon’s oil-dependent economy, tackle youth unemployment, reform the education sector, and invest in social infrastructure. These are lofty promises in a country where about a third of the population lives in poverty despite abundant natural resources.
But while the speech was full of hope and vision, the lead-up to the election tells a more complicated story. The process has drawn scrutiny from political opponents, civil society groups, and international observers. The final vote tally—more than 94% in Nguema’s favor—raises eyebrows in any democratic context, especially one with multiple candidates on the ballot. Critics have pointed to the heavy presence of state influence, lack of transparency, and legal changes that heavily favored the incumbent.
One of those changes came in the form of a new constitution passed in November 2024, just months before the election. The document reshaped Gabon’s political system, reinforcing presidential powers and introducing strict eligibility requirements for candidates. The new rules included provisions that limited the political comeback of many former Bongo-era figures while clearing the path for Nguema to run with virtually no challenge. What was presented as a democratic upgrade was, according to many analysts, a tactical move to cement the general’s grip on power.
Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a former prime minister and one of the few opposition candidates to challenge Nguema, received just 3% of the vote. Following the results, he acknowledged his defeat but did not hold back in criticizing the conduct of the election. He accused the government of misusing public resources and controlling the media narrative but also stated that he would continue to engage in politics, suggesting the political space isn’t completely closed—just heavily tilted.
Supporters of Nguema argue that he has already shown a commitment to reform. They point to his swift actions during the transition period, such as reducing government salaries, auditing state-owned enterprises, and launching anti-corruption investigations. He has also attempted to reach out to civil society groups and the youth, many of whom played a vocal role during the post-coup transition.
Still, the real test lies ahead. Gabon’s economy, while rich in oil, suffers from underdevelopment, weak institutions, and a high rate of unemployment, particularly among the youth. The general’s promise to diversify the economy is ambitious and will require more than military discipline to succeed. Moreover, his ability to create an inclusive political environment will determine whether Gabon moves forward or simply circles back under a different uniform.
In the streets of Libreville, reactions are mixed. Some see Nguema as a breath of fresh air who can break with the past and modernize the country. Others fear that the enthusiasm of 2023 is being exploited to establish a more polished but equally autocratic regime. “We wanted change, not cosmetics,” said a university student who asked to remain anonymous. “The faces have changed, but the rules feel the same.”
The African Union and other international actors have largely welcomed the return to constitutional rule but have also emphasized the need for political openness and media freedom. They remain cautious, watching to see whether the promises of reform translate into real action.
As the dust settles on Nguema’s landslide win, one thing is clear: Gabon stands at a crossroads. Whether it steps into a genuinely new era or slips back into old habits disguised with new slogans depends entirely on how the new president chooses to wield the enormous power he now holds. For a man who once seized control by force, the challenge now is to govern by consent—and that is no small task.
