Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup in August 2023 that ended the 55-year rule of the Bongo family, was officially sworn in as Gabon’s new president on Saturday. The inauguration took place at Angondje Stadium in Libreville, following his sweeping victory in the recent presidential election, where he secured nearly 95 percent of the vote. The general had previously served as head of a 19-month transitional government.
African leaders attend Brice Oligui Nguema’s swearing-in
The stadium, which holds 40,000 people, was filled with supporters dressed in shirts and waving flags bearing Oligui’s face. Over 20 African heads of state attended the historic ceremony, including Adama Barrow of Gambia, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. DR Congo’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, also arrived around midday. Tickets for the event were free, and the stadium, originally built to honor Gabon-China relations hosted the country’s largest inauguration ever.
Brice Oligui Nguema faces new challenges as president of Gabon
“Gabon began swearing in on Saturday President-elect Brice Oligui Nguema,” state media confirmed, underlining the significance of the moment for a nation transitioning out of dynastic rule. In the early hours of the morning, traffic was heavy around Libreville as citizens and dignitaries traveled to the venue. State broadcasters announced that the ceremony included artistic performances, a military parade, and will be followed by a “victory concert” along the waterfront.
In preparation, hundreds of workers cleaned and repainted major roads leading to the stadium. While Nguema enjoys strong support now, expectations are high. This high-profile inauguration is not just a ceremony but a moment of history for Gabon, the task ahead includes uniting a country that has been under one family’s control for decades, building democratic institutions, and meeting the hopes of millions who believe in his vision for change.
