The country has however since passed a new constitution and electoral code that critics argue were designed to favour a bid for the presidency by the junta leader. Nguema told the Gabonese people on Monday that he had decided to run in the 12 April election "after careful reflection and in response to your many appeals".

Gabon’s military ruler, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has announced that he will run for president in April. Nguema, who led the coup that deposed his cousin Ali Bongo in August 2023, putting an ended to more than half a century of Bongo dynasty rule, had pledged to hand over power to civilian rule at the end of the transition period.

Gabon’s military leader, General Brice Nguema, announced on Monday that he will run for president in the upcoming election on April 12, 2025.

Gabon's military leader General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a 2023 coup to end 55 years of Bongo dynasty rule, announced Monday that he would run for president in April.

Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York, U.S., September 26, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/ File Photo LIBREVILLE (Reuters) - Gabon's interim President Brice Oligui Nguema will run in the Central African nation's presidential election scheduled for April 12,