Six months after the end of Gabon’s 55-year Bongo dynasty, coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema remains popular despite criticism of slow governance reforms. The bloodless coup in August ousted Ali Bongo, accused of corruption and bad governance. General Oligui, the transitional president, promised elections by August 2025, emphasizing economic restoration and cost-of-living reduction. Billboards in Libreville depict him as a savior, but concerns arise over a perceived personality cult, curfew persistence, and the inclusion of former Bongo regime figures. The opposition calls out authoritarianism, while challenges like unemployment persist despite efforts recognized by the International Monetary Fund.
Gabon’s Post-Bongo Era: Coup Leader Maintains Popularity Amid Governance Challenges
![](https://affairsace-media.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/2024/02/28135153/000_34K43DN-860x484.jpg)