Gabon’s New Chapter: Military Rule, Elections, and Democracy

Gabon’s 2025 election raises concerns about the military-backed rule, with critics questioning the fairness and democratic progress.

Gabon, located on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa, is home to around 2.4 million people. Known for its biodiversity, oil reserves, and rainforests, it has long been seen as stable compared to its neighbours. Gabon gained independence from France in 1960 and has maintained close ties with its former colonial ruler. However, its politics have been dominated by a single ruling family and limited democratic competition.

On 12 April 2025, Gabon held its first presidential election since the August 2023 military coup that ousted the Bongo dynasty. General Brice Oligui Nguema, coup leader and interim president, won by a wide margin. While some viewed this as a fresh start, others noted the election was skewed in Nguema’s favour. His control over state institutions, exclusion of opposition candidates, and media dominance raised doubts about the vote’s fairness, with critics arguing it entrenched authoritarianism rather than democracy.

The 2023 Coup and the End of Dynastic Rule

The August 2023 coup marked a major rupture in Gabon’s political continuity. It followed the declaration of Ali Bongo Ondimba as the winner of a disputed election widely criticised for irregularities. Hours after the results were announced, senior military officers deposed Bongo, citing the need to prevent further instability and restore democratic integrity. This ended a 56-year political dynasty that began with Ali’s father, Omar Bongo, in 1967.

Omar Bongo’s presidency, which lasted over four decades, was marked by centralised power, patronage networks, and limited political competition. His regime upheld a façade of multiparty democracy while maintaining tight control over state institutions. After Omar’s death in 2009, Ali Bongo inherited the presidency, initially pledging modernisation and reform. However, his rule soon echoed his father’s autocratic style, marred by allegations of corruption, poor governance, and electoral manipulation. Disputed elections in 2016 and 2023 deepened public frustration and further eroded his legitimacy.

The 2025 Election: Participation and Credibility

Following the coup, General Nguema pledged to lead a transitional government to return Gabon to democratic rule. A national dialogue was held, and a transitional charter was enacted, laying the groundwork for new elections. Over the next 18 months, the interim administration organised the 2025 presidential vote.

Although the election passed without major incident, its integrity remains in doubt. Many opposition parties criticised the compressed timeline and what they saw as weak electoral safeguards. Several prominent figures were sidelined or boycotted the process. Official results showed Nguema winning over 90% of the vote, defeating his main challenger, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze.

While some viewed the outcome as a stabilising step, opposition leaders and international observers voiced scepticism, citing reports that Nguema’s campaign benefitted from state resources and military recruitment drives to boost public support. They raised concerns over the impartiality of electoral bodies, the dominance of state-aligned media, and restricted political freedoms under military rule.

Political Trajectory: From Independence to Dominance

Gabon’s political history has been marked by centralised rule and limited democratic progress. After independence in 1960, President Léon M’ba held strong executive powers. Upon his death, Vice President Omar Bongo entrenched one-party dominance through the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG).

By the early 1990s, internal and external pressure led to multi-party politics. However, the Bongo regime maintained control through electoral manipulation, patronage, and resource dominance. Elections were regular but lacked competitiveness, transparency, and fairness.

Offshore oil exploitation in the 1970s made Gabon one of sub-Saharan Africa’s wealthiest nations by GDP per capita, yet wealth was unequally shared. Elites benefited most, while many lacked access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Economic inequality fuelled discontent and calls for reform.

Prospects and Challenges

General Nguema has outlined a vision for political renewal, focusing on constitutional reform, anti-corruption measures, and inclusivity. However, critics argue that the new constitution centralises power in the presidency, reinforcing executive dominance. Despite Nguema’s calls for a government reflecting the people’s will, the conditions of the 2025 election raise doubts about the sincerity of these promises.

Nguema’s overwhelming victory, combined with opposition restrictions, suggests persistent authoritarian tendencies. Critics warn Gabon may be entering a phase of “military-managed democracy,” where elections legitimise power rather than distribute it.

Geopolitically, Gabon remains significant as a key oil exporter and has a stable presence in Central Africa, making it a valued partner for regional bodies and foreign powers, especially France. Institutions like the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the African Union will be crucial in promoting democratic accountability and monitoring reform.

Gabon stands at a pivotal moment, with the collapse of the Bongo dynasty opening space for political change. However, the 2025 election and the transition raise doubts about genuine democratisation. Progress will depend on the new regime’s commitment to pluralism, stronger institutions, and addressing longstanding inequalities.

Whether this moment proves a turning point or a missed opportunity will shape Gabon’s future for years.

(The author is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)