Gabon's Military Leaders Announce Election Timetable

The military leaders in Gabon, who deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August, revealed on Monday a timetable for elections to be held in August 2025. The announcement comes as part of a broader plan that outlines a national dialogue as the initial step in the transition process.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, the coup's leader and transitional president, had previously committed to returning the country to civilian rule through elections after a transitional period. However, the specific date for the elections has not been disclosed until now.

The coup took place on August 30, moments after Ali Bongo, whose family had governed Gabon for 55 years, was declared the winner of a presidential election. Both the army and the opposition labelled the election as fraudulent, prompting the military intervention.

Regime spokesman Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi conveyed the election timeline on live state TV, stating, "August 2025: elections and end of the transition." He clarified that the timetable, officially adopted by the cabinet, is considered "indicative" and is slated to be submitted for discussion at a national conference.

The announcement of the election timetable marks a significant step in the transition process, providing a framework for the return to civilian governance in Gabon. As the country navigates this period of political change, the details of the transition plan will be closely scrutinized, and international observers will be keenly monitoring developments in the lead-up to the elections.