** Gabón: A historic turning point between power and justice – Analysis of the candidacy of General Oligui Nguema **
On August 30, 2023, Gabon was shaken by a coupi d’etat led by General Oligui Nguema, thus overthrowing President Ali Bongo. This military action was welcomed with a diversity of reactions, ranging from popular euphoria to international criticism. While the general is preparing to participate in the presidential election of April 12, 2024, his speech testifies to a desire to set up as a candidate of the people, rather than representing a party or a clan. This strategic choice raises questions about the nature of Gabonese democracy and the power dynamics that are currently taking place.
### A coup as a starting point for a new political story
In his interview of April 25, General Nguema is distinguished by a determination not to give in to partisan influences. This declaration resonates as an attempt to legitimize its role at the head of the political transition. The reference to a “liberation stroke” suggests an epic story where the general positions himself as a national savior, a hero of a kind of popular revolution. This evokes similar movements through the African continent, where many military leaders have taken power by promising change and justice, but where, often, expectations have come up against the reality of an often repressive power.
The contrast is striking with situations that have occurred in other African countries, such as in Mali and Guinea. In these two cases, the coup d’etat also gave birth to hopes, but often turned disenchantment as the new military elites have consolidated their power by getting rid of the opposition. General Nguema’s motto, according to which “a general who has made a coup is afraid of anyone,” reflects a posture of permanent challenge, but this raises questions about the sustainability of this strategy in the face of popular expectations of a significant, fair and lasting change.
### The question of the excluded opposition and the Bongo trial
The decision to exclude several figures from the opposition from the election raises concerns on respect for justice and democracy. General Nguema argues that this is in accordance with the law, but this assertion must be balanced with the desire for a more inclusive Gabonese society. Indeed, the participation of the opposition is essential not only for electoral competition, but also for the construction of a solid democratic base and accepted by all Gabonese.
In addition, the trial looming on the horizon for Sylvia Bongo and her son Noureddin marks an important turning point in the country’s judicial history. The promise of transparency in surveys, in particular thanks to tangible evidence such as a cachet, is a commitment which, if he is held, could strengthen the credibility of the new diet. However, the fear of political motivations behind the proceedings is legitimate. This phenomenon of “judicial opportunism”, where justice is used to satisfy political vendettas, has been a recurring line in many African transitions.
### Towards a post-state-of-state democracy?
The candidacy of General Oligui Nguema could give rise to a reconfiguration of the democratic bases in Gabon, but the results depend on a multitude of factors. If he really wants to carry the voice of the people, his ability to establish a constructive dialogue and to ease pre -existing tensions with the opposition will be crucial. The experience of other countries has shown that the lack of social consensus can lead to electoral apathy, to fragmentation and, potentially, to new cycles of violence.
In addition, in a global context where human rights and democracy are closely monitored by the international community, vigilance with regard to the general’s actions will be increased. On the one hand, this could encourage Gabonese leaders to adopt real reforms in favor of justice and transparency. On the other hand, an autocratic drift could cause economic and diplomatic sanctions, such as those which have struck other military regimes on the continent.
### Conclusion
General Oligui Nguema’s statements establish a new political paradigm in Gabon, but also pose considerable challenges. If the change is often synonymous with hope, the solidity of the proven transition and membership in fundamental democratic values will be the real indicators of the success of its mandate. The road to a stable democracy will inevitably go through the creation of a space where all voices can be heard, including those of the opposition. Gabon is a turning point, and the outcome of this transition will depend on the choices that the country’s new strong man will do in the coming months.