Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has officially announced his intention to run for president in the country’s upcoming election on April 12.
Nguema seized power in 2023 after a coup that ended the 55-year rule of the Bongo family.
Despite initial promises to hand over power to civilians, Nguema’s decision to run for president has sparked controversy.
Nguema’s announcement was made on Monday, after months of speculation about his intentions.
He told supporters in the capital, Libreville, that he had decided to run “after careful reflection and in response to your many appeals.”
The 50-year-old coup leader also declared his readiness to change the fortunes of the oil-rich country, saying “I am a builder and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country.”
Critics argue that the country’s new constitution and electoral code, passed since Nguema took power, were designed to favor his bid for the presidency.
The opposition and civil society groups have urged Nguema to honor his initial promise to leave power to civilians after the transition.
Despite Gabon’s wealth in oil and forests, one-third of its 2.4 million people live below the poverty line, according to the UN.
The upcoming election will be the first in the country since the coup, and it remains to be seen how Nguema’s bid for presidency will impact the country’s future.
