President Oligui Launches Political Party to Cement Post-Coup Leadership in Gabon

From General to President: Oligui’s Political Journey

Brice Oligui Nguema, the former general who seized power in a 2023 military coup, has taken a decisive step toward securing long-term political control in Gabon by launching a new political party. More than two years after ousting the Bongo dynasty, Oligui on Saturday unveiled the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB) — known by its French acronym — as a formal political vehicle for his leadership. The announcement marks a major turning point in his efforts to transition from military ruler to civilian political figure, further entrenching his role in shaping Gabon’s post-coup future.

Vision for Rebuilding a Nation

According to an official statement from the UDB, the party’s central mission is to “unite the Gabonese people around a shared vision of rebuilding the country.” The statement describes the UDB as a movement dedicated to transformation, unity, and national elevation, positioning itself as a remedy for decades of political stagnation and centralized power under the Bongo family. The party’s name evokes a sense of progress and collaboration, clearly crafted to appeal to a public eager for transparency, equity, and renewal after years of elite rule. In doing so, Oligui seeks to cast himself as the architect of a new Gabonese political era.

Electoral Legitimacy in Question

Oligui’s consolidation of power comes on the heels of a controversial presidential election in April 2025, in which he claimed an overwhelming victory with nearly 95 percent of the vote. Critics both at home and abroad have questioned the transparency and fairness of the vote, especially given the absence of meaningful opposition participation. Nevertheless, the result enabled Oligui to transition from transitional leader to officially elected president, and the launch of the UDB gives this position a more institutional foundation. While the elections may lack full legitimacy in the eyes of international observers, domestically, Oligui is rapidly building structures to entrench his power.

End of the Bongo Era

The context surrounding Oligui’s rise to power is significant. In August 2023, he led a military coup that toppled then-president Ali Bongo Ondimba, bringing an abrupt end to 56 years of Bongo family rule. The elder Omar Bongo held the presidency for more than 40 years before passing the mantle to his son Ali in 2009. Their combined decades in power were marked by accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and political repression. Oligui’s coup was initially welcomed by many Gabonese citizens as a potential path to reform — a hope now being tested by his transition into formal politics.

Reform Rhetoric Versus Political Reality

Since taking office, Oligui has presented himself as a reformer-in-chief, vowing to restore democratic institutions, fight corruption, and create a government accountable to the people. However, the formation of the UDB may signal a shift from transitional promises to long-term political ambition. Critics argue that launching a political party — particularly one centered on a sitting president — could recreate the same centralized power dynamics that plagued Gabon under the Bongos. The question remains: is this truly a new political era or simply a military-backed rebranding of the old system?

What Comes Next for Gabon

The launch of the Democratic Union of Builders is expected to redefine Gabon’s political landscape in the months and years ahead. The party could become the dominant force in future elections, especially given the weakened state of opposition groups and lack of institutional checks on presidential authority. As the country emerges from decades of single-family rule, all eyes will be on whether Oligui uses his new political platform to promote inclusive governance — or to replicate the very model he claimed to dismantle.

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