General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s military ruler, has announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April, despite previous promises to return power to civilian rule. Oligui justifies his candidacy as a response to popular demand, focusing on rebuilding Gabon amid economic challenges. Critics remain skeptical about his intentions, viewing his leadership as a continuation of the previous regime rather than a genuine reform.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the military ruler of Gabon who came to power in a coup in 2023, has proclaimed his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April. This announcement contradicts his earlier commitment to restore civilian governance after deposing former president Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Oligui, recently celebrating his 50th birthday, attributed his decision to enter the race to popular demand, stating, “After careful reflection and in response to your many appeals, I’ve decided to be a candidate in the April 12 presidential election.” During a speech in Libreville, he expressed a dedication to rebuilding the nation and resolving longstanding infrastructure challenges such as power outages.
A recent amendment in Gabon’s electoral code permits military officials and judges to participate in elections, which means Oligui will temporarily step away from his military role during his campaign. His communications team indicated, “If he’s not elected, he will return to the barracks,” whereas a victory would see him transition into a civilian leadership role.
Oligui has actively engaged with the public, connecting particularly with younger voters through gestures like offering complimentary tickets to a concert. Nonetheless, critics express skepticism regarding his presidency, arguing that it continues the entrenched power of the Bongo family rather than introducing meaningful reform.
The nation faces significant economic challenges, with public debt reaching 70% of GDP as of 2023, despite its wealth in natural resources. The International Monetary Fund has raised alarms about Gabon’s financial stability, emphasizing a debt totaling $12 billion. Oligui’s administration attributes these challenges to the Bongo regime’s poor legacy.
Candidates must submit their applications by March 8, which includes passing a language exam, a medical assessment, and declaring assets. Reports suggest that approximately 20 potential rivals to Oligui have already exited the race. As Oligui seeks to present himself as a change-maker for Gabon, concerns linger over whether he represents a true reform or a mere continuation of military influence in governance.
In summary, General Brice Oligui Nguema has entered the presidential race after a coup, promising a focus on national rebuilding and infrastructure improvements. While his candidacy is framed as a response to public demand, critics question whether he can genuinely break away from the Bongo dynasty’s legacy. Additionally, Gabon faces pressing economic issues, and his ability to assert a new direction for governance remains uncertain amidst allegations of continuity in power dynamics.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
