General Brice Oligui Nguema from Gabon recently told everyone he plans to become a candidate for president during the elections next month. He took control of the country in 2023 after leading a military takeover that removed the Bongo family from power. At that time, he promised citizens he would return control to normal people instead of keeping it himself.
Many critics believe changes to voting rules and the national constitution were made just to help Nguema win the upcoming election. When speaking to people on Monday, Nguema explained he chose to run on April 12 because many citizens had asked him to do so. Despite heavy rain falling in Libreville, the capital city, he promised voters he could improve life in their oil-rich nation.
The general, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, told supporters he wants to build a better future for Gabon. His announcement surprised nobody since rumors about his political plans circulated for months. Last Saturday, he met with military personnel who wanted him as president and encouraged them to vote. He mentioned hearing their wishes and promised an answer very soon.
Questions arose about whether Nguema left his military position as required for presidential candidates. His spokesperson denied this happened. A Facebook page connected to Nguema clarified that he must temporarily stop wearing his uniform during campaign activities. According to the page, he would permanently leave military service if elected but return to military duty if he lost.
Many Gabonese praise Nguema for ending the 55-year rule of the Bongo family dynasty. Ali Bongo ruled for 14 years before losing power. Previously, his father, Omar Bongo, controlled the nation for 41 years before him. The neighboring country Equatorial Guinea has a president named Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who publicly supports Nguema winning the election.
Some opposition groups and community organizations want Nguema to keep his original promise about letting regular citizens take over the leadership after the transition period ends. Despite having valuable oil resources and large forests, Gabon still has serious poverty problems. United Nations reports show one-third of the 2.4 million population lives below poverty levels.
Many critics believe changes to voting rules and the national constitution were made just to help Nguema win the upcoming election. When speaking to people on Monday, Nguema explained he chose to run on April 12 because many citizens had asked him to do so. Despite heavy rain falling in Libreville, the capital city, he promised voters he could improve life in their oil-rich nation.
The general, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, told supporters he wants to build a better future for Gabon. His announcement surprised nobody since rumors about his political plans circulated for months. Last Saturday, he met with military personnel who wanted him as president and encouraged them to vote. He mentioned hearing their wishes and promised an answer very soon.
Questions arose about whether Nguema left his military position as required for presidential candidates. His spokesperson denied this happened. A Facebook page connected to Nguema clarified that he must temporarily stop wearing his uniform during campaign activities. According to the page, he would permanently leave military service if elected but return to military duty if he lost.
Many Gabonese praise Nguema for ending the 55-year rule of the Bongo family dynasty. Ali Bongo ruled for 14 years before losing power. Previously, his father, Omar Bongo, controlled the nation for 41 years before him. The neighboring country Equatorial Guinea has a president named Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who publicly supports Nguema winning the election.
Some opposition groups and community organizations want Nguema to keep his original promise about letting regular citizens take over the leadership after the transition period ends. Despite having valuable oil resources and large forests, Gabon still has serious poverty problems. United Nations reports show one-third of the 2.4 million population lives below poverty levels.
