As Gabon holds its first presidential election since a 2023 coup, Brice Nguema’s democratic credentials are put to the test. Will his efforts to reform the country’s leadership be enough to secure his place in power?
The Gabonese people will head to the polls on Saturday, voting in the country’s first presidential election since an August 2023 coup ended the 55-year ‘Bongo family dynasty.’ For Brice Nguema, the junta leader turned civilian head of state, it could be a chance to cement his democratic credentials.
The Rise of Brice Nguema
Nguema helped overthrow the Bongo family dynasty in August 2023, styling himself as an anti-corruption crusader who had to resort to a coup to end an unpopular family dynasty. Since coming to power, he has made headlines for reportedly refusing to draw a salary for the presidency.
A Complex Profile
Despite his efforts to present himself as a champion of change, Nguema‘s personal history is complex. He has maintained close ties with ‘France,’ despite high anti-French sentiments in the region. In 2020, an investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed multimillion-dollar assets abroad, believed to be the proceeds of embezzlement during his time in the presidential guard.
Competing Candidates
Nguema‘s closest challenger is ex-prime minister ‘Alain Claude Bilie By Nze,’ who has campaigned as a pragmatic veteran seeking to create jobs and reduce the size of government. Other candidates include former tax official Joseph Lapensée Essingone and Stéphane Germain Iloko, previously a member of the former ruling Gabonese Democratic party (PDG).
Concerns Over Nguema‘s Leadership
Despite his popularity, there are concerns that Nguema may be using the same ‘Bongo playbook’ of muzzling dissent. The Union for Democracy and Social Integration (UDIS) party has accused the administration of targeting its exiled leader, Hervé Patrick Opiangah, who is the subject of a criminal investigation for alleged incest and undermining state security.
The Future of Gabon
As the Gabonese people cast their votes on Saturday, they will be deciding on Nguema‘s future as president. With an estimated 1 million citizens heading to the polls, the outcome is uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the fate of Gabon hangs in the balance.
- theguardian.com | Coup leader favourite in presidential race as Gabon goes to the polls
