Oligui Nguema Inaugurated as Gabon’s Fourth President in Historic Ceremony Marking End of Transition
The ceremony at Angondjé Friendship Stadium, witnessed by thousands of citizens, regional leaders, and international dignitaries, marked the end of a nearly 20-month transitional period following the August 30, 2023 coup.
Oligui Nguema, who secured 94.85% of the vote in the April 12 presidential election, took the oath of office before the Constitutional Court and under the gaze of the nation.
With his hand placed solemnly on the Constitution, he declared, “I, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, elected President of the Gabonese Republic, I pledge before God, our Ancestors and the Gabonese people, to devote all my strength to its well-being, to protect it from all harm, to respect and faithfully defend the Constitution and the rule of law, to preserve democratic achievements, the independence of the Fatherland, the integrity of the national territory and to conscientiously fulfill the duties of my office and be fair to all? I swear it.”
The inauguration included a deeply symbolic gesture unprecedented in Gabonese political tradition.
Under the guidance of traditional authorities, President Oligui Nguema lit nine candles representing each of Gabon’s provinces — a ritual evoking the blessings of ancestral spirits.
Traditional leaders officially entrusted him with the mandate, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural legitimacy of his presidency.
The new president described his election not as a personal or partisan victory but as the “rebirth of a nation.”
He pledged to uphold democratic principles, empower women, and protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
“I am committed to preserving democratic attributes, the independence of women, and the integrity of the national territory,” he said.
Outlining his priorities for the seven-year term, Oligui Nguema emphasized justice, efficient governance, anti-corruption efforts, and improvements in health, education, employment, and infrastructure.
He also confirmed that legislative, local, and senatorial elections would take place before the end of 2025 — a definitive step toward ending the transitional period.
The stadium, adorned in national colors and filled with celebratory crowds wearing shirts, caps, and clothing bearing the new president’s image, hosted a series of performances, including an ecumenical prayer led by Monsignor Jean-Patrick Iba-Ba and a parade of 300 students from the Libreville Military Academy.
Dignitaries in attendance included President Faustin Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, and emissaries from U.S.
President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Touadéra, ECCAS’ appointed facilitator for Gabon’s transition, praised the process:
“After 18 months of transition, Gabon is returning to democracy and is hopefully taking its momentum towards happiness.
” He added, “Gabon has become an example of successful transition in Africa.”
The ceremony closed with a military parade, cannon salutes, and the fanfare of Gabonese and institutional flags — a final tribute to the past and a confident march into a new republic.
