General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military ruler of Gabon, has announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in April, contrary to his initial commitment to restore civilian governance. His campaign will focus on national reconstruction and addressing economic challenges. Critics express skepticism about the likelihood of genuine reform, given Oligui’s ties to the previous regime and the broader context of Gabon’s political landscape.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military ruler, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April, following his coup in 2023. This announcement contradicts his earlier commitment to restore civilian governance after the ousting of Ali Bongo Ondimba. In a speech in Libreville, Oligui stated that he is responding to public calls for his candidacy, asserting, “After careful reflection and in response to your many appeals, I’ve decided to be a candidate in the April 12 presidential election.”
Oligui plans to run on a platform aimed at national reconstruction, which includes addressing infrastructure challenges and frequent power outages. He described himself as a “builder,” appealing for the public’s support to help rebuild the country amidst adverse weather conditions during his announcement. Recent electoral law amendments allow military officers to participate in elections, requiring Oligui to temporarily relinquish his military uniform for the duration of his campaign.
His communications team indicated that if he does not win the election, he will revert to military service. Should he secure victory, Oligui would transition to a civilian leadership role and officially terminate his military position. Recently, he has conducted public engagements, including a military event and a ceremonial church service, aiming to bolster his appeal among ordinary citizens, particularly younger voters.
Despite his reform promises, critics view his leadership as a mere extension of the Bongo family’s historical dominance in Gabonese politics. Having previously served within the Bongo administration, there is skepticism regarding whether his regime signifies a real change in governance or a continuation of the established order. Economically, Gabon faces substantial debt challenges, with national obligations nearing 70% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), causing concern among financial authorities.
The International Monetary Fund has highlighted that the nation’s fiscal stability could be jeopardized, as national debt peaked at $12 billion in 2023. Oligui’s administration attributes these economic difficulties to the prior Bongo regime’s disastrous legacy. The deadline for presidential candidates to submit their applications is March 8, which include necessary evaluations such as a medical examination and an asset declaration. Reports indicate that approximately 20 potential contenders have withdrawn from the race, reducing opposition to Oligui.
While Oligui seeks to position himself as the leader capable of ushering in a new era for Gabon, it remains unclear whether his presidency will signify a meaningful transformation or simply an iteration of military-endorsed governance of the past.
General Brice Oligui Nguema has announced his candidacy for Gabon’s presidential election, despite earlier promises to return to civilian rule. His campaign emphasizes rebuilding the nation and addressing its economic challenges. While he seeks support from citizens, critics question the sincerity of his intent for reform, given his ties to the previous regime. With the deadline for candidacies approaching, uncertainty surrounds the nature of future governance in Gabon.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
