Gabon’s Transitional President Scheduled to Visit Cameroon

The transitional president of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Olugui Nguema, is set to visit Yaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon, on December 6, according to a statement released by Gabon’s ambassador to Cameroon, Paul Patrick Biffot, on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

The release stated, “It is brought to the attention of the Gabonese Community that H.E General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Transition, President of the Republic, Head of State, will make a working and friendship visit on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Yaoundé in Cameroon.”

Ambassador Patrick Biffot detailed the welcome program as follows:

• 7:30 a.m.: Gathering at the High Commission (Embassy)
• 8:30 a.m.: Departure in convoy for NSIMALEN International Airport
• 4:00 p.m.: Meeting of the President with the Community at the Hilton Hotel
• 6:00 p.m.: Departure of the Head of State

Biffot encouraged the turnout of Cameroonians for the event, emphasizing the importance of possessing an identity document.

A Facebook user, Francois Eyoum, humorously commented, “Please, come and tell him to give up power. Because he has already served his time.”

Who is Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabonese Transitional Leader?

In Libreville, the capital of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema holds a significant role.

He orchestrated a coup that ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba from power shortly after Bongo’s declaration as the winner of the Saturday presidential election.

Brice Oligui Nguema, the son of a Gabonese general officer, took command in April 2020, succeeding Grégoire Kouna as the commander-in-chief of the Republican Guard. Dismissed by Ali Bongo in 2009 when Bongo ascended to power, Oligui Nguema returned to the Republican Guard in October 2019 as the General Manager of Special Services, following the departure of Frédéric Bongo, Ali’s half-brother.

Oligui Nguema’s military journey began early when he joined the Republican Guard of Gabon. He underwent training at the Royal Military Academy of Meknes in Morocco and completed the commando course at the Commando Training Centre in Gabon’s equatorial forest. Recognized by the military hierarchy, he served as one of the aides in the camp of Omar Bongo until Bongo’s disappearance in June 2009.

Tomorrow’s visit:

The visit presents an opportunity to enhance the bond between Gabon and Cameroon, two nations with a longstanding history of collaboration and a shared border.

Following the forceful removal of Ali Bongo Ondimba, Gabon has been undergoing a transitional phase. Brice Oligui Nguema assumed the role of transitional president and is anticipated to hold office until the upcoming presidential elections.

Observers eagerly await the results of this meeting, bringing together a recently elected transitional president and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

Washira Helene contributed to this report

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