Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Nguema, will run for president in the April 2025 election after ending the Bongo family’s rule through a coup. He aims to restore infrastructure and address the national debt. Nguema will temporarily relinquish his military uniform to campaign. The election presents a chance for Gabonese citizens to advocate for change amidst significant economic challenges.
Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Nguema, declared on Monday his candidacy for the presidential election set for April 12, 2025. Nguema, who orchestrated a coup in August 2023 that ended the Bongo family’s 55-year rule, initially promised to restore civilian governance but now seeks election following changes to the electoral code that allow military personnel to run.
In Libreville, during his speech, Nguema—who recently turned 50—expressed his decision to become a presidential candidate after significant public encouragement. He shared his vision for a revitalized Gabon and committed to tackling pressing infrastructure issues. Nguema portrayed himself as a “builder,” calling for the courage of the populace to revive the nation.
To comply with electoral regulations, Nguema will temporarily relinquish military attire while campaigning, as stated by the official communication channel. Should he win, he would remained out of uniform; if he loses, he would return to military duties. Nguema has hosted several public engagements, including a military assembly and a church event to solidify support.
Despite conjectures regarding his military status, official sources confirmed he retains his general position until the election concludes. Aiming to connect with younger voters, he has distributed free tickets to concerts featuring local artists. The deadline for candidates to confirm their election bids is March 8, 2025, with existing challenges from others seeking nomination.
In his agenda, Nguema has promised to address Gabon’s persistent power outages and manage the rising national debt, which is significant at 70% of the GDP. The country faces approximately $12 billion in national debt, exacerbating its economic challenges despite its rich natural resource base, including oil, timber, and manganese.
General Brice Nguema’s announcement to run for president marks a significant turning point in Gabon’s political landscape following his military coup against the Bongo family. His campaign will focus on addressing infrastructure challenges and economic issues like the national debt. With a deadline for candidate confirmation approaching, Nguema’s ability to connect with the electorate, especially the youth, will be crucial for his success. As Nguema approaches the presidential race, he must navigate his military background while aligning his vision with the needs and aspirations of the Gabonese people.
Original Source: punchng.com
