** Reflections on a new political chapter in Gabon: between promises of change and challenges to be met **
On April 12, 2025, Brice Oligui Nguema was elected president of Gabon with a very majority electoral score of 94.85 %. His victory intervened in a country recently released in a coup in August 2023 which ended a political dynasty dominated by the Bongo family for more than fifty years. This election, marked by a high participation rate, symbolizes the will of the Gabonese population to initiate a change after decades of authoritarian regimes.
A notable turning point in this process was the lifting of sanctions by the African Union (AU), which judged the political transition to “globally successful” Gabon. This decision allows Gabon to regain its headquarters within the Union after a suspension following the coup de force event. This recovery in the continental fold can be perceived as a validation of the efforts of the new government to sail towards democratic legitimacy. However, this legitimation raises questions about the country’s political stability and how the new power intends to manage the promises of transformation it has made.
### A complex heritage
The longevity of the Bongo has left indelible footsteps on Gabonese politics. Omar Bongo, at the head of the country from 1967 to 2009, established a patronage system which facilitated the concentration of power and corruption. His son, Ali Bongo, inherited this structure, marked by accusations of bad governance and human rights violations. The ascent of Nguema, a former close to the former president, therefore questions the real break with this past. The new president, although democratically elected, faces major challenges, including the restoration of citizens’ confidence in institutions and the creation of transparent governance.
### A transition to monitor
According to the new constitution adopted, the vice-president will have a preponderant place, while the post of Prime Minister has been abolished. This reorganization of institutions poses the question of power balances: how will the new institutional framework influence decision-making and the involvement of different socio-political components? In addition, behind electoral statistics hide more nuanced realities: political tensions and social dissatisfaction, which require being taken into account to build lasting peace.
In addition, Gabon is a country rich in natural resources, mainly oil, but the benefits of this wealth have long been redistributed unevenly. The economic question remains crucial. How does the new government intend to use these resources to meet the expectations of a population in search of social justice and economic progress? Inclusive management of these resources could be decisive for popular support for the NGUEMA administration.
### to a collaborative future?
The future of Gabon is still vague, and several uncertainties weigh on the new administration. The new president and his team must navigate between a legitimized politician freshly acquired and substantive challenges which include national reconciliation, economic insecurity, and the need for inclusive dialogue with all political and social actors.
In this context, it is essential to wonder what concrete measures the Oligui Nguema government will set up to ensure inclusive and respectful human rights. The vigilance of the international community and regional organizations, such as the AU, will be inseparable from this transition period. Fostering a framework for dialogue that allows all voices to be heard will be crucial to build a democratic future in Gabon.
### Conclusion
Gabon is entering a new political era, rich in potential and challenges. If optimism is legitimate, it must be accompanied by a commitment to responsibility and transparency. The future of the country will depend not only on the decisions of Nguema, but also on the citizen mobilization and the involvement of regional and international partners in supporting a positive development within the country. The issues are immense, but a dynamic of cooperation could open the way to a new hope for the Gabonese nation.