Brice Oligui Nguema, the former junta leader who ousted President Ali Bongo in August 2023, was officially sworn in as Gabon’s new president on Saturday after securing nearly 95% of the vote in last month’s election.
The inauguration, held at Angondje Stadium north of Libreville, was attended by around 20 African heads of state, including Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema. The event marked Gabon’s first large-scale public swearing-in ceremony, with the 40,000-capacity stadium filled with supporters clad in Oligui-themed attire.
Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo also arrived around midday to witness the ceremony, which featured military parades, artistic displays, and a celebratory concert later at the Libreville waterfront.
In preparation, authorities undertook extensive cleaning and renovations along major roads, urging citizens to welcome foreign dignitaries and contribute to beautification efforts.
At 50, President Oligui faces significant challenges, including overhauling outdated infrastructure, addressing a 40% youth unemployment rate, and tackling a public debt projected to reach 80% of GDP this year. During his 19-month transitional leadership, Oligui pledged to rebuild Gabon and combat corruption.
AFP
