Gabon’s Coup Leader Cleared to Run for President in April Election

Gabon’s Constitutional Court has ratified eight candidates for the upcoming presidential election. The candidates include Brice Oligui Nguema, the head of the transitional government that has led the country since a 2023 military coup. Ordinarily, transitional leaders are restricted from running for election.

However, a new constitution passed in November exempted Nguema, raising concerns about the junta’s intentions. Nguema, who ended the Bongo family’s decades-long rule, will contest against former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie By Nze, considered his main rival. Other notable contenders include Gninga Chaning Zenaba, the only woman, and Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui, a former member of Bongo’s Gabonese Democratic Party.



The election is slated to be held on April 12.Source: ReutersThe post Gabon’s Coup Leader Cleared to Run for President in April Election first appeared on iAfrica..