Eleven months after coming to power in a coup, there are increasing calls for Gabon’s transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema to run for office.
Oligui Nguema was sworn in last September, shortly after ousting President Ali Bongo, who had ruled for over 50 years.
According to Radio France International, Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Barro Chambrier announced on Saturday that he will not be a candidate. He stated that his party, the Rally for the Homeland and Modernity (RPM), would support Oligui Nguema if he decides to run in the August 2025 presidential elections.
While the transition charter allows Oligui Nguema to run, it does not permit other leaders to do so. Although his actions suggest he may run, the president has yet to officially declare his candidacy.