The appointment of Raymond Ndong Sima as Gabon’s transitional prime minister follows a week of political upheaval in the country. While President Ali Bongo was overthrown by the military, General Brice Oligui Nguema, President of the transition, chose Ndong Sima to lead the interim government.
This appointment is interesting because Ndong Sima is a recognized economist and a long-time opponent of Ali Bongo’s power. He served as prime minister from 2012 to 2014, but quickly distanced himself from power due to what he saw as poor governance. He even ran against Ali Bongo in the presidential elections of 2016 and 2023.
Ndong Sima joined the Alternance 2023 platform this year, withdrawing his candidacy and supporting a consensual candidate. However, he recently left the coalition due to confusion within the group. His appointment as transitional Prime Minister is therefore a surprise, but it probably testifies to his credibility and his ability to bring together different political forces in this period of transition.
As an economist, Ndong Sima brings valuable expertise in managing the country’s affairs. Originally from northern Gabon, he was part of the Ministry of Economy before entering politics. He held various ministerial positions, including that of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
His break with the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) in 2015 reinforced his status as an opponent and allowed him to position himself as a critic of the Ali Bongo regime. However, he is not only a critic, he is also known for his commitment to democracy and transparency in the management of public affairs.
The appointment of Raymond Ndong Sima as transitional prime minister shows that the ruling junta is seeking to ease tensions and create an inclusive government. The question of the duration of this transition is still unresolved, but General Brice Oligui Nguema has pledged to organize free elections at the end of it.
Overall, this appointment underscores the importance of balanced governance and a shared vision to lead Gabon towards a democratic and prosperous future. Ndong Sima brings with him political and economic experience that could help solve the problems facing the country, including fighting corruption, reviving the economy and promoting human rights.
It remains to be seen how he will carry out his new responsibilities and how he will manage to reconcile the divergent interests within the ruling coalition. The transition in Gabon is therefore a process to follow closely, because it could determine the political and economic future of the country.