### Gabon in full transformation: Towards a new political era?
As the presidential election scheduled for April 12 approaches, the Gabonese political landscape is being reshaped with growing interest in the candidacy of General Brice Oligui Nguema. This situation is all the more captivating as it occurs at a time of profound transition for the country, which has suffered in recent years from poor governance and questionable political practices. The emergence of unexpected support for General Oligui Nguema, particularly from former critics of the regime, raises questions about the evolution of political dynamics in Gabon.
#### A transition marked by promises
General Oligui Nguema, the current president of the transition, remains in a phase of uncertainty regarding a possible candidacy. Nevertheless, the influx of support, particularly from the party Pour Le Changement (PLC), depends largely on his ability to embody a break with the old regime. Criticism of the current administration, mainly associated with the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), remains strong. However, a large part of the population seems to believe that, under Nguema’s leadership, Gabon could take a new turn. This feeling of renewal injects a paradoxical dynamic: figures who once defied the system are uniting around a man who was until recently the head of the armed forces.
The PLC executives, gathered around their vice-president Nicolas Nguema, highlight what they call “concrete progress” made during the fifteen months of transition. According to them, this progress translates into tangible infrastructure projects that were lacking in a country where stagnation and lack of vision have long prevailed. Moreover, the mobilization of the Gabonese diaspora, orchestrated by party leaders, suggests a collective desire for change and contribution to the construction of a more equitable nation.
#### Challenges to be met
Electing a head of state capable of breaking with the past and building a new future will undoubtedly be Gabon’s greatest challenge. Support for General Oligui Nguema also raises questions about the implications of such a dynamic. Adherence, even if promising, could also mask personal ambitions of political figures seeking to reposition themselves. The fact that some supporters within the PLC have been critical voices of the past refers to a complex political reality: that of the strategy of accommodation to maintain influence within a system in full restructuring.
Another important dimension to consider is that of the balance of power within state institutions. The presence of “PDGists” persists in the administration, as indicated by Nicolas Nguema’s remarks. This continuity raises the question of the effectiveness of genuine institutional reform. The path to sound and accountable governance will require not only strong political will, but also a series of deep reforms to reduce the influence of former agents of the fallen regime.
#### The role of civil society and the media
To ensure that this transition takes place in a truly democratic manner, the role of civil society and the media will be crucial. By highlighting the issues of transparency, equality and social justice, these actors will have the responsibility to ensure that promises of change are not just rhetoric.
Gabon’s socio-political transformation could also serve as a laboratory of ideas for other African nations seeking renewal. Gabon’s experience, with military leadership in transition to civil-politics, is reminiscent of that of several countries on the continent that have experienced coups and fragile transitions. It is vital that Gabon learns from past mistakes to avoid repeating the familiar power cycles that have too often led to popular disillusionment.
#### Conclusion: An uncertain but promising future
As the country heads toward the presidential election, all eyes are on General Brice Oligui Nguema. The current convergence of support, while hopeful, is fragile and will require careful attention to prevent the power struggle from plunging the country back into the evils of the past. Finally, Gabon stands at an important crossroads where the choice of voters will determine not only the immediate future of the country, but also the type of political model that will emerge in a regional context where calls for democracy are gaining ground. The road is still long, but there is hope for meaningful change, provided that the most emblematic faces of the new Gabon live up to the expectations of their population.