Brice Oligui Nguema was officially sworn in as the president of Gabon on Saturday, May 3, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s political history. The ceremony took place at the Angondjé Stadium in Libreville and drew thousands of citizens, military officials, politicians, and foreign representatives. Nguema, a former general and head of the Republican Guard, came into power in August 2023 after leading a military coup that removed longtime president Ali Bongo Ondimba. The coup ended over 55 years of Bongo family rule in Gabon and was followed by promises of reform, stability, and a return to democratic rule.
During the transition period, Nguema served as interim president and oversaw the drafting of a new constitution, which was approved in a national referendum in late 2024. The new constitution changed the presidential term to seven years, renewable once, and allowed transitional leaders to contest elections. In April 2025, Nguema ran as a candidate and won the presidential election by a landslide, securing around 95 percent of the vote. The election result was expected, as the opposition was weak and several potential challengers had withdrawn or faced restrictions. While critics questioned the fairness of the election and accused the government of limiting political space, the turnout was reported to be high, and the atmosphere in the capital was calm and organized.
Taking the oath of office before the cheering crowd, Nguema said he was honored by the trust placed in him and committed to leading with integrity. “We are opening a new page in our history,” he said. “A page that will be written with unity, dignity, and the will of the people.” He also told citizens, “I will not govern for a few, but for all Gabonese, no matter their background, region, or beliefs.” His speech touched on key priorities such as economic recovery, social justice, and national development. He promised to reduce poverty, improve access to education and healthcare, and diversify the economy beyond oil. “It is time to build a Gabon that works for everyone,” he declared. “A Gabon where merit is rewarded and where every citizen has a chance to succeed.”
The event was attended by representatives from neighboring African countries as well as international partners including France, China, and the African Union. Many of them congratulated Gabon on returning to civilian rule and called on the new government to respect democratic values, human rights, and freedom of expression. Some observers said the peaceful transition to an elected government was a step in the right direction, but others warned that true democracy would depend on how the administration behaves in the coming months and years.
Back home, opinions are mixed. Many Gabonese citizens said they feel hopeful about the future and believe Nguema deserves a chance to lead the country toward progress. They praised his calm leadership during the transition and said he had already taken steps to clean up government institutions. However, others are still cautious and worry that the military’s influence remains too strong. Some fear that the new constitution gives too much power to the president and not enough to parliament or the courts.
Despite the concerns, the mood at the stadium was festive. Citizens waved flags, danced to traditional music, and expressed pride in what they saw as a fresh start. The president’s team has already announced plans for a national development strategy that includes building more schools, repairing roads, and creating new industries to provide jobs for the country’s growing youth population. Civil society groups have called on the government to listen to the people and include them in decision-making, especially on issues like land use, local governance, and environmental protection.
