Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema will form his own political party. Just two and a half months after winning the April 12 presidential election as an independent candidate, the former military general is inviting the public to the official launch of his political movement on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at the Palais des Sports in Libreville. In a video message, Oligui, now dressed in formal civilian attire, declared that the popular mandate he received requires the creation of a political platform that can unite all constructive forces in the country. The party’s name has not yet been revealed.
The announcement has stirred mixed reactions within Gabon’s political class. Jean-Rémy Yama, a prominent opposition figure, criticised the move, arguing it is unnecessary given the president’s already extensive constitutional powers—powers so sweeping, he claims, that a legislative majority is irrelevant. Yama warned that the new party risks replicating the flaws of the long-dominant Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG). This development also comes shortly after the National Assembly passed a bill aimed at reducing the number of political parties in the country from 103 to just three or four, in line with recommendations from April’s inclusive national dialogue.