Gabon’s interim president, General Oligui Nguema, has imposed new restrictions on members of his transitional government, barring them from taking holidays abroad and limiting their leave to a maximum of one week.
The announcement, made on state television, follows the general’s nationwide tour to hear the concerns of the people.
These measures have fueled speculation that Gen Nguema is positioning himself to run for president in Gabon’s 2025 elections—the first since he seized power in a coup last year. In August 2023, he ousted his cousin Ali Bongo, who had been president since 2009 after inheriting the role from his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who ruled for 41 years.
Since assuming power, Gen Nguema has emphasized that his military-led government is acting in the best interest of the Gabonese people. However, he has remained silent on whether he intends to contest in the upcoming presidential polls.
The holiday restrictions come as the first anniversary of the coup approaches, a time when the junta’s record will be closely examined. Gen Nguema may be aiming to highlight the contrast between his leadership and that of the deposed Ali Bongo, who was known for frequent overseas trips and whose family owned numerous properties in France and the UK. Despite this, Gen Nguema himself reportedly owns multiple properties in the United States, though he has previously insisted that his private life should remain private.
The new rules, which are expected to apply to Gen Nguema as well, were explained in detail on state television. Viewers were told that the objective is to “immerse” government officials in the “realities and expectations of their compatriots.” A spokesman for the interim government stated that the policy aims to encourage officials to reconnect with their roots and foster closer ties with local communities. Exceptions will only be granted in cases of “force majeure”—extraordinary circumstances beyond control—or for health reasons.
Despite the restrictions, Gabonese officials are not without local options, as the country offers a variety of attractions, including pristine white sand beaches and world-class gorilla safaris in Loango National Park.
