By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Gabon’s military leader, who seized power in 2023 in a coup, has announced his intention to run for the office of president in the April election.
Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema had led a military takeover that brought an end to the long-standing rule of the Bongo family but pledged to hand over power to civilians.
Nguema, who has since passed a new constitution and electoral code designed to favour his bid for the presidency, told the Gabonese people on Monday that he had decided to run in the 12 April election “after careful reflection and in response to your many appeals.”
Addressing supporters during a heavy downpour in the capital, Libreville, he declared his readiness to change the fortunes of the oil-rich country.
“I am a builder, and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country,” Nguema, who had just turned 50, said.
The announcement followed months of speculation about his intentions to officially occupy the country’s number one political office.
On Saturday, Nguema told the military in a meeting that he was aware of their desire to see him run in the election and urged them to vote.
He told the defence forces he had heard their calls. “I listened to you and, believe me, I understood you,” he added, “I will get back to you within the next few days.”
There has been speculation that Nguema had left the army as a requirement to run for the presidency, but his spokesman has denied that.
A Facebook page associated with Nguema clarified on Monday that he was required to drop his military uniform temporarily while running for election.
The Nguema-led junta is credited with ending 55 years of the Bongo dynasty.
Ali Bongo had ruled for 14 years before he was toppled. He took office after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who had been president for 41 years.
Last month, the president of neighbouring Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, encouraged the Gabonese people to support Nguema for a better future for their country.
Some opposition and civil society groups in Gabon have, however, been urging the military leader to honour his word and leave power to civilians after the transition.
