On May 3, 2025, General Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as the fourth president of Gabon, marking the end of a transitional period that began with a military coup in August 2023. The inauguration ceremony, held in Libreville, was attended by hundreds of thousands of citizens, signaling a return to constitutional order after the 55-year rule of the Bongo family. Nguema, who led the coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, won the April 12 presidential election with 94.85% of the vote, defeating seven other candidates, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze. Voter turnout was 70.11%, with over 920,000 registered voters participating .
In his inaugural speech, President Nguema pledged to address pressing issues facing the nation, including diversifying Gabon’s oil-dependent economy, tackling high youth unemployment, reforming the education system, and improving infrastructure and social services such as water supply. Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, a third of its 2.3 million citizens live in poverty, and youth unemployment remains a significant challenge .
The swearing-in ceremony also marked the dissolution of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions, the body that had governed Gabon since the coup. This move is seen as a step towards restoring civilian governance and democratic processes in the country. Legislative and local elections are scheduled for September 2025, as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and governance .
International reactions to the transition have been mixed. While some have welcomed the return to constitutional order, others remain cautious, emphasizing the need for genuine democratic reforms and respect for human rights. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether President Nguema’s administration can fulfill its promises and lead Gabon towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.
