Gabon is preparing for a major event in its political history. The Council of Ministers has officially announced that the presidential election will be held on April 12, 2025, potentially marking the end of the military transition established after the coup d'état of August 30, 2023.
This announcement, confirmed by a government decree, convenes the electoral college for this crucial date. It comes in a delicate context, where the transitional authorities, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, had pledged to restore constitutional order after overthrowing the regime of Ali Bongo Ondimba, heir to a dynasty in power for over half a century.
In November 2024, Gabon took the first step by adopting a new constitution by referendum. The text, designed to respond to democratic aspirations and strengthen transparency, symbolizes a hope for renewal for a population long confronted with social inequalities and opaque governance.
However, some grey areas remain. One of the most controversial provisions of the new constitution allows the transitional president, Brice Oligui Nguema, to stand as a presidential candidate, a prerogative denied to other members of the junta. This exception raises concerns about the sincerity of the transition and the possibility of an attempt to perpetuate power under the guise of elections.
This situation reflects a broader phenomenon in West and Central Africa, where a series of eight coups d'état between 2020 and 2023 have undermined democratic systems. These military transitions raise a key question: will the armies involved in these processes be able to cede power to civilians, or will they seek to hold on to it?
For Gabon, April 12, 2025 will be a decisive date. This election embodies the hope of a lasting end to instability and a return to the rule of law. But it will also be a test of credibility for General Nguema and the transitional authorities. As for the Gabonese people, they are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to redefine their democratic future, in a climate of international vigilance and the quest for social justice.
Editorial staff
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