Gabon’s Military Leader Announces Run for President
According to the BBC, Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has announced he will run for president in next month’s election. Nguema came to power in 2023 after a coup that ended the 55-year rule of the Bongo family.
At the time, he promised to return power to civilians, but critics say recent changes to the constitution and electoral laws were designed to help him stay in power.
Nguema made the announcement on Monday, telling supporters in the capital, Libreville, that he decided to run after “careful reflection” and in response to calls from the people.
He promised to improve the fortunes of Gabon, a country rich in oil but where one-third of its 2.4 million people live in poverty, according to the UN.
The BBC reports that Nguema’s decision follows months of speculation. Over the weekend, he told the military he had heard their calls for him to run and would respond soon. His spokesman denied rumors that Nguema had left the army, a requirement for running for president. A Facebook page linked to him clarified that he would temporarily step away from his military role during the campaign but would return to the army if he loses the election.
Nguema’s rise to power ended the long rule of the Bongo family. Ali Bongo, who ruled for 14 years, was overthrown in 2023. His father, Omar Bongo, had been president for 41 years before him. While some, like Equatorial Guinea’s President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, have supported Nguema’s bid, opposition groups and civil society organizations in Gabon are urging him to keep his promise and hand power back to civilians.
The BBC highlights that despite Gabon’s natural resources, many of its people struggle with poverty. Nguema’s decision to run for president has sparked mixed reactions, with some seeing him as a potential leader for change and others questioning his commitment to democracy.
In short, Gabon’s military leader is now aiming for the presidency, but his candidacy raises questions about the country’s future and whether it will truly transition to civilian rule.
Credit: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy87g9xnjdpo