Coup Leader Oligui Takes the Helm as President of Gabon
- Oligui
- Presidential Inauguration
- Gabon
- Political Overhaul
- Ali Bongo
- Libreville
Ex-military leader Oligui administered the presidential oath in Gabon. - Ex-junta leader Oligui assumes presidency in Gabon
In a dramatic turn of events, Oligui, the man who orchestrated a coup against longstanding president Ali Bongo back in 2023, has now taken office as the country's president. Signing his oath of office after a tumultuous 19-month transition period, Oligui secured nearly 95% of the vote during the recent election that followed.
Bongo, who had wielded power since 2009 following the death of his father Omar, who had governed Gabon for nearly four decades, was booted out by Oligui in 2023. The opposition and the army leveled accusations of corruption and poor governance against the Bongo dynasty.
Flight From Power
The coup, which occurred on August 30, 2023, marked an end to over half a century of Bongo family rule. The move came after controversial elections in 2016 and 2019, along with Bongo's prolonged medical absence following a stroke in 2018.
Marginalized Election
Oligui's landslide victory in the April 2025 election - the first since the coup - saw him claim 90.35% of votes against seven challengers, with the closest competitor trailing by around 3%. However, only 920,000 registered voters participated, representing just 40% of the country's population of 2.3 million. A significant portion of the population fights to get by despite the country's wealth from oil.
Taking Office
During his May 3, 2025 swearing-in ceremony, Oligui swore to bring about democratic renewal, positioning himself as a transitional figure despite officially marking the beginning of a 7-year term. The event featured symbolic displays such as the draping of the Gabonese flag around him, emphasizing national reconciliation.
Tests Ahead
Analysts view the election as an attempt to legitimize military rule rather than foster true democracy. Managing the country's oil wealth equitably and tackling poverty remain critical challenges for Oligui's administration.
- Oligui, the former chief of the junta who ousted Ali Bongo in 2023, has now taken office as the President of Gabon, following a landslide victory in the April 2025 election.
- The presidential inauguration in Gabon saw Oligui, who orchestrated a coup against Bongo, secure nearly 95% of the vote, marking the end of over half a century of Bongo family rule.
- The election, which saw only 40% of the country's population participate, has been viewed by analysts as an attempt to legitimize military rule rather than foster true democracy.
- Tackling poverty and managing the country's oil wealth equitably are critical challenges for Oligui's administration, which is now in power following the coup in 2023.
- The political overhaul in Gabon, initiated by Oligui, has placed war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics, including general news, under close scrutiny as the nation moves towards a stable democratic future.
