Title: Gabon: General Oligui Nguema at the heart of the political transition
Introduction :
Since the putsch of August 30, 2023, Gabon has faced a period of political transition. In this context, General Oligui Nguema, the country’s new strongman, is wondering about his possible candidacy for the next presidential election. This question raises debates within the Gabonese political class and the international community. In this article we will analyze the different points of view on this delicate issue.
The debate on the candidacy of General Oligui Nguema:
During a recent interview, General Oligui Nguema affirmed that the Transition Charter does not prohibit him from running in the next presidential election. This statement sparked controversy, notably from Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima. This emphasizes that the decision of who can stand or not in the election cannot be taken by a single individual, but must be the result of a national and inclusive debate.
The role of General Oligui Nguema in the political transition:
In his defense, General Oligui Nguema asserts that he will not be personally involved in the implementation of the future Constitution, which places him above the fray. However, voices are being raised to question this assertion, stressing that the general will undoubtedly have his say on the future Constitution and could even have the last word. This uncertainty fuels concerns about the true impartiality of the current political transition.
The sacrifice of Raymond Ndong Sima:
Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima has agreed not to run in the next presidential election, thereby sacrificing his personal political ambitions. He emphasizes the importance of assembling a team capable of carrying out the necessary reforms for clean and transparent elections. However, his position could be called into question if General Oligui Nguema decides to run, while he himself cannot. The situation therefore remains uncertain.
Conclusion :
The question of General Oligui Nguema’s candidacy for the next Gabonese presidential election is raising intense debates within the political class and the international community. As the period of political transition continues, it is essential to hold an inclusive national debate to determine who can stand for election. Gabon is at a crucial turning point, and how this issue is resolved will have significant implications for the country’s political future.