Gabon’s transition leader Brice Nguema submits candidacy for April presidential election: Video
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s transition government since the 2023 coup, has officially submitted his candidacy for the country’s upcoming presidential election in April 2025.
Nguema, who led the military takeover that ended the decades-long rule of the Bongo family, appeared at the Ministry of the Interior to complete his registration.
In a statement, Nguema confirmed that the Ministry of National Defense had approved his request to enter politics, making him eligible to run for office.
"I am happy today to inform you that the Ministry of National Defense has favourably responded to my availability request. This means that since February 27, 2025, I am eligible to engage in politics and even occupy the supreme position," he told the AFP.
Despite speculation about forming a political party, Nguema announced he would run as an independent candidate. Instead, he introduced a political platform called "The Builders' Movement," inviting various groups, including political parties, unions, youth organisations, and intellectuals, to support his vision for the country's future.
"There is no reason to create a party. Time does not allow us to do so. But like the others, I will go as an independent," he stated. "Within this platform, I invite associations, political parties, unions, youth, intellectual elites, and all those who have supported me since the beginning of the transition to join us so that together we can build this country and move forward."
Nguema’s candidacy marks a significant moment in Gabon’s transition back to civilian rule. His leadership over the past two years has been marked by efforts to stabilise the nation after the coup.
The April election will be Gabon’s first since the military ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023, citing election irregularities and governance failures.
