Gabon has officially sworn in President-elect Brice Oligui Nguema following his sweeping victory in last month’s election, where he secured nearly 95 percent of the vote. The inauguration marks a historic turning point after the military coup that ended over five decades of Bongo family rule.
Oligui, a general and former junta chief who ousted former president Ali Bongo in August 2023, assumes the presidency after leading an interim government for 19 months.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the 40,000-capacity Angondje Stadium north of Libreville, drew over 20 African heads of state and thousands of enthusiastic supporters wearing T-shirts and waving flags emblazoned with Oligui’s image.
Among the dignitaries present were President Adama Barrow of Gambia, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi also arrived around midday.
The Angondje stadium, originally built to symbolize Gabon-China friendship, hosted the country’s first presidential inauguration open to such a large public audience. Tickets for the event were distributed for free.
Major Celebrations, Security, and Spectacle
Early in the day, traffic clogged the roads of Libreville, especially near the stadium, as residents and guests made their way to the venue. According to state media, the event featured artistic performances, a grand military parade, and will be capped with a “victory concert” on the Libreville waterfront.
In preparation for the event, hundreds of workers repainted and cleaned key areas leading to the stadium. The Interior Ministry urged residents to show hospitality to international guests and participate in beautification efforts.
“All citizens of Greater Libreville are asked to extend a warm welcome to these distinguished guests,” the ministry said, calling on nearby residents to contribute to the cleanup effort.
Oligui’s Leadership Challenges in Post-Bongo Gabon
Now officially at the helm of the oil-rich Central African nation, Oligui, 50, faces mounting pressure to deliver on promises of reform. Gabon’s economy, while resource-rich, is plagued by crumbling infrastructure, frequent power outages, youth unemployment nearing 40%, and a public debt expected to reach 80% of GDP this year.
During the transition period, Oligui positioned himself as a “builder,” rolling out multiple construction projects and vowing to crack down on corruption—a key message that resonated with many Gabonese citizens.
As he begins his tenure, all eyes will be on whether President Oligui can transform Gabon’s economy, create jobs, and modernize essential services while maintaining stability in the post-coup political landscape.
