The leader of Gabon's military junta, General Brice Olighi Nguema, who has led the African country since the military overthrew the Bongo dynasty in a coup in 2023, this week officially ran for president in the April 12 elections, according to an Agence France-Presse report, quoted by BTA.
General Olighi promised to continue the transitional military regime's efforts to "rebuild the country."
“My vision is for a Gabon that rises from the ashes. "This vision is not just a dream, we will realize it together," the former head of the presidential guard said in a short speech to a crowd of supporters in Libreville who had gathered to listen to him during a torrential rain.
"I am a builder and I need your courage and your strength to build this country. The Holy Spirit spoke to me, that is why I am here before you," the junta leader said.
On Monday (March 3), General Olighi celebrated his 50th birthday. He has promised to return power to civilians at the end of the transition period that began 18 months ago. However, the new electoral code, which was adopted by the transitional parliament in January, allows military personnel to stand, AFP notes.
To be able to run, General Olighi must first take a temporary leave from the armed forces, the military junta said on “Facebook”, denying rumors that he had already retired from the army.
“If elected, he will have to retire permanently“ and will no longer wear a uniform. “If not elected, he will return to the barracks like any active military man. His military career spans a total of 28 years and a seven-year term would not change the way he thinks and acts. "He will remain pragmatic and true to his values," the junta added.
The deadline for nominations is March 8, and the procedure includes taking a language test, passing a medical examination and declaring assets.
Building a new image
General Olighi, who has been in power since the military overthrew the Bongo dynasty in a coup on August 30, 2023, has set out to build a positive image for himself, AFP notes.
His new image, characterized by positivity and cordiality, differs from that of a harsh military man, which he had when he came to power.
In recent months, the general has increased the number of visits he makes to the working-class neighborhoods of Libreville and remote regions, often dressed in civilian clothes. People have seen him dance, hug children, drive a tractor, bottle-feed a baby and pray at a church service with the first lady.
Gabonians, who are "tired of decades of broken promises," see General Olighi as a "pragmatic and charismatic leader," but expectations are high and "disappointment can quickly erode trust," the website Gabonactu recently wrote.