Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi is set to travel to Libreville on Saturday to attend the official swearing-in ceremony of Gabon’s President-elect, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
Nguema secured a landslide victory in the April 12 election, winning 94.85% of the vote, according to the final results announced by Gabon’s Constitutional Court.
The inauguration marks a significant moment in the country’s political transition, following the military-led ousting of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023.
President Tshisekedi’s advance team has been in the Gabonese capital for three days preparing for the visit, diplomatic sources confirmed.
His attendance underscores a renewed momentum in diplomatic relations between Kinshasa and Libreville, particularly within the framework of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
General Oligui Nguema first took the reins of power as transitional president in September 2023, just five days after leading the coup that ended Ali Bongo’s 14-year rule.
His initial assumption of office was part of a broader military-led shift that promised to restore civilian rule through democratic elections.
During his transitional presidency, Nguema undertook a series of regional visits aimed at consolidating international legitimacy and reinforcing Gabon’s standing within Central Africa.
His visit to Kinshasa in October 2023 marked a key diplomatic milestone and laid the foundation for closer cooperation between the two countries.
The upcoming inauguration will not only formalize Nguema’s position as Gabon’s elected head of state but also serve as a symbolic moment for the region, highlighting evolving political dynamics and the role of regional leaders in shaping post-transition governance.
President Tshisekedi’s participation signals support for Gabon’s new administration and highlights a broader commitment to stability and political engagement within Central Africa.
Source: Actualitecd
