LIBREVILLE, Gabon (BG) — Gabon’s military leader, Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, officially announced his candidacy for the April 12, 2025, presidential election during a rally at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville on Monday.

Nguema, who has led Gabon’s transitional government since a military coup in August 2023, addressed thousands of supporters, declaring, “After careful consideration and in response to your numerous appeals, I have decided to stand as a candidate in the presidential election.”

The announcement marks a significant step in Gabon’s political transition, following the adoption of a new electoral code last month allowing magistrates and military personnel to run for office under certain conditions.

Nguema, a former commander of the Gabonese Republican Guard and cousin of ousted President Ali Bongo, was installed as head of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions after toppling Bongo’s government amid allegations of electoral fraud and authoritarian rule.

Since then, Nguema has promised reforms and worked to stabilize the oil-rich nation, which was under Bongo family rule for more than 55 years.

His government oversaw the adoption of a new constitution in November, establishing a seven-year presidential term, renewable once.

Monday’s event featured supporters holding signs thanking Nguema for his leadership as “President of the Transition, Head of State.”

Political analysts observe that, although Gabon is progressing towards elections, concerns persist regarding the transparency of the transition process; however, the people of Gabon appear to have a strong affection for Gen. Nguema.

Nguema, born in 1975 in Haut-Ogooué Province, trained at Morocco’s Meknes Royal Military Academy and previously served as an aide-de-camp to former President Omar Bongo.

His rise to power followed years of political instability in Gabon, a country of 2.3 million people with vast oil and timber resources.

The upcoming election will test Gabon’s shift from military rule to democracy.

Nguema’s candidacy has sparked debate over military influence in politics and the legacy of the 2023 coup, which drew both international criticism and domestic support for ending the Bongo dynasty.