Gabon officially reinstated constitutional governance on Saturday, May 3, with the inauguration of President General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, marking him as the fourth leader of the Central African nation. He is set to serve a seven-year term.

The vibrant and historic inauguration ceremony took place at the Gabonese National Sports Stadium in Libreville, attended by Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to regional solidarity. The event also saw the presence of 15 other African heads of state.

President Nguema, who previously led a military junta, came to power after toppling the long-standing regime of the Bongo family in August 2023, which had dominated Gabon since its independence in 1960.

His inauguration follows a decisive victory in Gabon’s presidential elections held on April 12, where he secured an impressive 90.35 percent of the valid votes cast.

In his inaugural address, President Nguema pledged to diversify Gabon’s economy, which is heavily reliant on oil, and to tackle the pressing issue of youth unemployment. He emphasized his commitment to serve, protect, and unite all Gabonese citizens.

Among the distinguished African leaders present were President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia.

President Mahama’s delegation comprised notable figures, including Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, National Security Advisor Prosper Douglas Bani, Executive Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Stan Xoese Dogbe. Following the ceremony, President Mahama and his delegation have returned to Ghana.