New coup leader Oligui promises democratic reforms during presidential swearing-in ceremony in Gabon

Thousands upon thousands of enthusiastic supporters bedecked in T-shirts and flags emblazoned with Oligui's visage descended upon a stadium in Libreville, the capital, to attend the grand inauguration ceremony.

As the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, Oligui, sporting a dark civilian suit with a vibrant red sash across his chest and forfeiting his general's uniform, entered the stadium at approximately 1:30 pm local time. Sixteen African heads of state also graced the event with their presence.

The newly anointed leader, Nguema, a 50-year-old former head of the republican guard unit, has vowed to breathe new life into the central African nation's oil-reliant economy, revolutionize the education system, and tackle the rampant youth unemployment issue.

"Today marks a new chapter in our nation's history," Nguema declared during his inauguration speech. "I solemnly promise to serve, protect, and unify all Gabonese - that is the essence of my pledge."

Having triumphed over seven other candidates in the April 12 election, Nguema snatched victory with 58,074 votes, or a staggering 94.85% of the votes cast. The outgoing Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze finished a dismal third with a mere 3% of the vote. None of the remaining six candidates managed to secure more than 1% of the vote. Voter turnout amounted to 70.11%.

Over 920,000 voters, including more than 28,000 foreigners, cast their ballots at over 3,000 polling stations.

You can find more details in the article Gabon's coup leader elected president in landslide, preliminary results show

Gabon suffers from a notable employment crisis, particularly among young graduates, and the economy heavily relies on oil. Infrastructure development, including roads connecting the regional provinces and improving basic social services such as clean water supply, is also lacking.

'Blueprint for Change'

Nguema overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2023 and oversaw the country's transition, eventually competing and winning the presidential election on April 12 with a landslide victory of 95% of the votes cast.

In his address to the Gabonese populace on Saturday, Nguema unveiled plans for "a new Gabon, in line with our aspirations and ambitions...We will diversify our economy through the transformation of our raw materials." He also promised to make Gabon more attractive to foreign investors.

However, according to Serge Loungou, a political geography lecturer at Omar Bongo University, "There's a chasm between rhetoric and reality." Striking statistics indicate that 40% of young graduates remain without employment, the economy remains heavily dependent on oil, and infrastructure improvements, such as road connectivity and water supply, are desperately needed.

Gabon, home to 2.3 million people, a third of whom reside in poverty despite the nation's vast oil wealth, is set to hold legislative and local elections in September.

(FRANCE 24 with AP)

Enrichment Data:

Overview:

While specific policy details remain scarce, Gabon's new President Brice Oligui Nguema has underscored "democratic renewal" and a reestablishment of constitutional order following his May 2025 inauguration. Key points from recent developments include:

Economic Context:

Post-Coup Transition: Oligui succeeded in ousting the 55-year-long Bongo family rule in 2023, positioning himself as a reformer working to rectify systemic governance issues.
Election Mandate: Securing nearly 95% of the vote in a contested election in 2025, Oligui aims to capitalize on his popular support to institute changes.

Likelihood of Economic Reforms:

Diversification Imperative: With Gabon's economy heavily dependent on oil (40% of GDP) and manganese exports, Oligui's administration is expected to prioritize lessening dependence, though precise plans are yet to be confirmed.
Unemployment Conundrum: Youth unemployment in Gabon exceeds 35% (pre-coup estimates). Oligui's rhetoric about renewal hints at employment-generating initiatives, possibly in the agriculture or forestry sectors.

Recent reports have primarily focused on the inauguration instead of policy specifics, so keep an eye out for:- Infrastructure projects to stimulate employment.- Investment drives in non-oil sectors like ecotourism or renewable energy.- Governance reforms aimed at countering corruption and improving fiscal transparency.

The newly elected president of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, has pledged to revitalize the oil-reliant economy, revolutionize the education system, and address the high youth unemployment rate.
In his inauguration speech, Nguema outlined plans for a new Gabon, emphasizing the transformation of raw materials and making the country more attractive to foreign investors as part of his strategy to diversify the economy.
However, political geography lecturer Serge Loungou raises concerns about the chasm between Nguema's rhetoric and the reality, as 40% of young graduates remain jobless, and infrastructure improvements like road connectivity and water supply are urgently needed.
Addressing the general news, politics, and education sectors, it is crucial to closely monitor the implementation of Nguema's economic reforms, focusing on infrastructure projects, investment drives in non-oil sectors, and governance reforms aimed at countering corruption and improving fiscal transparency.