Six months after coup, Gabon leader faces mixed record

Gabon's military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, remains popular despite criticism of authoritarian governance post-coup.

Six months after bringing the curtain down on the 55-year Bongo dynasty, Gabon's military leader remains popular despite criticism of authoritarian governance that is slow to fulfil promises.

Many Gabonese rejoiced when Ali Bongo was overthrown in a bloodless coup on August 30, an hour after being proclaimed the winner of a presidential election, which the army and opposition declared fraudulent.

Coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema, 48, was swiftly sworn in as transitional president of the oil-rich, central African nation, promising a return of civilian rule with elections.

Polls have since been set for August 2025, under a timetable that first foresees national dialogue scheduled for April this year that will be made up of all the country's "vital actors".

Mr. Oligui "arrived at a time when the Gabonese couldn't take it anymore," Francois Ndong Obiang, a former opposition leading light and now vice-president of the transitional National Assembly, said.

The country which has 2.3 million inhabitants half of whom are aged under 20, "was in tatters in terms of infrastructure, education, health," he said, adding the general is seen as "a saviour".

Billboards in the streets of the capital, Libreville, show Mr. Oligui holding smiling people in his arms, while his walkabouts are always loudly cheered.