Gabon’s interim president, Brice Oligui Nguema, has announced his candidacy for the country’s April 12 presidential election, months after seizing power in a military coup.
Nguema, who turned 50 on Monday, led the 2023 coup that removed President Ali Bongo, ending over five decades of his family’s rule. The takeover was the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. While many Gabonese supported Bongo’s ouster, concerns grew over whether the junta would seek to remain in power.
In November, a referendum approved a new constitution that military leaders said would guide the country toward democratic rule. The new charter does not prevent Nguema from running for office, unlike similar transitions in other coup-hit nations.
Speaking to supporters in Libreville during heavy rain, Nguema said he had reflected on the decision and was responding to public calls for him to run.
