Gabon has officially returned to constitutional rule following the inauguration of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as the country’s fourth president.
The ceremony, held at the national sports stadium in Libreville, marked a pivotal moment in the Central African nation’s political transition.
President Nguema, who previously led the country as interim head of state following a military takeover in August 2023, will serve a seven-year term after winning the April 12 presidential election with an overwhelming 90.35% of the valid votes cast.
The inauguration ceremony drew a high-profile audience, including 16 African heads of state. Among them was Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, who attended in line with Ghana’s foreign policy of regional cooperation and good neighbourliness.
The presence of President Mahama underscored Ghana’s continued commitment to fostering peace, stability, and democratic governance in Africa. He was accompanied by a delegation that included Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, National Security Advisor Prosper Douglas Bani, Executive Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Stan Xoese Dogbe.
President Nguema’s rise to power followed the ousting of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family had governed Gabon for over five decades.
The August 2023 coup ended the Bongo dynasty’s rule, which dated back to the country’s independence in 1960.
In his inaugural address, President Nguema pledged to diversify Gabon’s oil-dependent economy and prioritise job creation for the nation’s youth.
He also vowed to be a unifying leader who would work in the interest of all citizens.
“I will serve with integrity, protect the sovereignty of our nation, and strive to unite every Gabonese under a common vision for development,” President Nguema said.
Prominent African leaders who joined the celebrations included President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia.
