Gabon officially inaugurated President-elect Brice Oligui Nguema on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new political era following the end of the Bongo family’s 55-year rule.
Oligui, a general and former junta leader who seized power in an August 2023 coup, was sworn in after securing nearly 95 percent of the vote in last month’s presidential election.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the 40,000-capacity Angondje stadium north of Libreville, drew a crowd of jubilant supporters clad in T-shirts and waving flags bearing Oligui’s image.
The event also attracted around 20 African heads of state, including Presidents Adama Barrow of Gambia, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The inauguration marks the first time Gabon has held a presidential swearing-in before such a large public audience. Entry to the stadium was free, and the day’s program included military parades, artistic performances, and a “victory concert” scheduled for the Libreville waterfront later in the evening.
Ahead of the ceremony, roads around the capital were congested, and hundreds of workers were seen cleaning and repainting streets to prepare for the high-profile occasion.
The interior ministry urged residents near the stadium to help beautify the area and warmly welcome the visiting dignitaries.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Oligui, 50, inherits a country facing deep economic and infrastructure challenges. Gabon, though rich in oil, is grappling with dilapidated infrastructure, an ageing power grid with frequent blackouts, a 40 percent youth unemployment rate, and mounting public debt projected to reach 80 percent of GDP this year.
As he officially takes the reins of power, the pressure now mounts to deliver lasting solutions and steer Gabon toward stability and economic diversification.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment