From coup leader to President of Gabon: Profile of Brice Oligui Nguema

Brice Oligui Nguema, a Gabonese politician, military officer, and cousin of ousted President Ali Bongo, has officially been sworn in as Gabon’s president on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

His inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s political history after securing a decisive victory in the 2025 presidential election with over 90% of the vote.

Background

Born in Gabon’s Haut-Ogooué Province, a traditional bastion of the Bongo dynasty on 3rd March 1975,  Oligui comes from a diverse background, his father was a Fang military officer and his mother of Teke descent.

Though linked to Ali Bongo through his maternal line, Oligui was primarily raised by his mother’s family.

He pursued his early education at Omar Bongo University before receiving military training at the prestigious Meknes Royal Military Academy in Morocco.

Military and political journey

Oligui’s career in public service began as aide-de-camp to President Omar Bongo, a role he held until Bongo’s death in 2009.

His subsequent diplomatic assignments took him to Gabonese embassies in Morocco and Senegal. By 2018, he was recalled to replace Frédéric Bongo, Ali Bongo’s half-brother, as head of the Republican Guard’s intelligence service.

His promotion to brigadier general followed in 2019, and by 2020 he had assumed command of the Republican Guard, replacing another Bongo relative, General Grégoire Kouna.

During his leadership, Oligui expanded the Special Interventions Section (SIS) and revived Operation Mamba to combat corruption.

His strategic moves strengthened his influence within the military and among the broader Gabonese elite.

Family

Brice Oligui is happily married to Zita Nyangue Oligui and together they have children.

Brice Oligui Nguema together with wife, Zita

Among his close associates is his brother-in-law, Régis Onanga Ndiaye, who serves as Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, signaling continued family involvement in key government roles.

Controversies

A 2020 report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed that Oligui owns several properties in the United States valued at over $1 million and had assisted in expanding the Bongos’ foreign business ventures.

When questioned about these matters, he described them as “private affairs.”

Despite such revelations, many who have worked with him describe Oligui as intelligent, reserved, and respected by both his peers and subordinates.

2023 coup and interim presidency

On August 30, 2023, just hours after Ali Bongo’s disputed re-election was announced, Oligui led a bloodless coup, citing electoral fraud and institutional decay.

He was promptly declared interim president by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions and was ceremoniously carried on soldiers’ shoulders while being hailed as the nation’s new leader.

In his first speech, he promised reforms including electoral and constitutional changes, and the release of political detainees.

He took a symbolic step by declining his presidential salary, opting instead to live on his earnings as Republican Guard commander.

Path to Presidency

In March 2025, Oligui declared his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for April 12.

Running under his newly formed party, the Rally of Builders, he campaigned on promises of stability, institutional reform, and national unity.

His overwhelming win, garnering 90.35% of the vote, cemented his transition from military leader to civilian head of state.

On 3rd May 2025, he was officially sworn in as President of the Republic of Gabon.

Net worth

His estimated net worth is believed to exceed $5 million, accumulated through his military career, real estate holdings, and personal business interests.