The authorities in Gabon have firmly denied the resignation of the transitional president, Brice Oligui Nguema, as a member of the military, after a comment circulating on social media last week claimed that the Gabonese leader had made this decision to run in the presidential elections on April 12. The rumor, which quickly went viral, was refuted by the spokesperson for the Presidency, Max Olivier Obame Ndong, through a brief televised statement.
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“A rumor that is increasingly spreading and going viral across all social media and platforms claims the president’s resignation from the army (…). The Presidency formally denies it. Thank you,” said Obame Ndong, rejecting the information circulating across various digital platforms, including social media.
The denial comes after Nguema met with the Gabonese Armed Forces this weekend, where he addressed his “brothers in arms.” In his speech, he emphasized the importance of unity and responsibility during this transitional period but avoided making direct comments about a possible presidential candidacy.
These speculations occur in a tense political context, as the presidential elections are scheduled to bring an end to the political transition that began with the overthrow of Ali Bongo in August 2023. At that time, a military junta was formed, headed by Oligui Nguema. Despite promises to return power to civilian authorities at the end of this two-year transitional process, Nguema has not ruled out the possibility of running to continue leading the country after the conclusion of this interim period. The uncertainty about his political future continues as Gabon prepares for one of the most crucial elections in its recent history.
