On August 30, 2023, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema put an end to the reign of Ali Bongo Ondimba, by overthrowing his government. This coup has caused a shock wave across the country, sowing seeds of hope for a revival while leaving uncertainties over the economic and diplomatic future of Gabon.

The context of this rupture is that of a presidency of Ali Bongo marked by a long concentration of power. For decades, the Bongo family dominated the political scene, and the 2023 presidential election, marked by a contested victory of Bongo, has been a breakdown. The opposition denounced massive electoral fraud, but the government rejected these accusations, described as lies. A curfew has been established and internet access has been cut "until further notice". A few moments after the announcement of the results, the army took control of the country, launching a coup. Ali Bongo was placed in detention at the presidential palace, and his son Noureddin faces accusations of high treason, while his wife Sylvia is accused of money laundering.

The soldiers justify their action by the need to fight against corruption and to clarify the electoral process, issues that had long undermined popular confidence. Members of the Bongo family are now incarcerated in the Central Prison in Libreville, and part of the population is delighted with what is seen as the end of the "Bongo dynasty".

The end of a diet and the uncertain beginning of a new reform

Since the independence of Gabon in 1960, the country has been under the blushing of the Bongo family. Omar Bongo led the country from 1967 to his death in 2009, and his son Ali took over. These years have been marked by elections often tainted with suspected fraud and manipulation. In 2016, after a highly contested election, demonstrations were violently repressed. The Constitution has been modified several times, in particular to lift the limitations on presidential mandates, thus consolidating the power of the Bongo.

With the fall of the regime in 2023, a transitional government was established under the leadership of General Oligui Nguema. The institutions were dissolved and a process of reconstruction of the state was launched. A new constitution project was created in October 2024, aimed at reforming the institutional system and guaranteeing a rule of law. However, some skepticisms remain: does this reform risk further strengthening the presidential power without giving clear prospects on a return to a civil government?

Looking for new economic resources

Gabon, although rich in natural resources like oil, is going through a period of economic stagnation. Between 2022 and 2023, growth increased from 3 % to 2.4 %, hampered by the weakness of global demand, the increase in energy costs and climatic hazards which disrupt infrastructure, especially railway, essential for the export of wood and manganese.

The economy of Gabon remains excessively dependent on oil, which represents 38.4 % of nominal GDP and 65.8 % of the country's exports. In 2023, initiatives were launched to diversify the economy, in particular with the exploitation of Kévazingo to relaunch the forest sector. However, major challenges remain, such as unsuitable transport infrastructure and a resource management environment to be improved to attract foreign investors.

In January 2025, the World Bank suspected its transactions to Gabon , due to the accumulation of a public debt of 17 billion CFA francs, or about 27 million dollars. The country then seeks new solutions, in particular by introducing advanced technologies in the industrial and service sectors. However, the Gabonese economy remains vulnerable without a serious overhaul of existing structures.

A contrasting press freedom

Freedom of the press in Gabon has experienced ups and downs since the coup d'etat of August 30, 2023. The country has increased by 38 places in the World Press Liberty Ranking of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reaching the 56th position in May 2024. An improvement partly attributed to the reassuring declarations of the new military regime, which has promised to restore the law and to strengthen fundamental freedom.

However, tensions persist. In October 2023, the Gabon Media Time (GMT) team, an independent online media, was placed in police custody after the arrest of several journalists. Although the latter were released after the president's intervention, this incident highlighted the persistent difficulties of the Gabonese media to operate in complete freedom. In addition, the High Authority for Communication (HAC) ordered the regularization of nearly 140 online media deemed illegal. Although this approach aims to clean up the media landscape, some fear that it serves as a pretext to strengthen government control over information.

Despite progress, RSF remains cautious and calls for concrete actions to guarantee a really free and independent press, a guarantee of democracy and transparency. The climate remains fragile, and the transition to this level will be just as delicate.

Concrete measures are expected

The transitional government, led by General Oligui Nguema, strives to stabilize the country, in particular by strengthening the military presence in sensitive areas. If the political, social and economic situation seems to be less agitated, it remains unstable, with the risk that political demonstrations will explode at any time.

In October 2024, a mission of the African Union Peace and Security Council was sent to Libreville to assess the transition. The report of this mission underlined the lack of visibility on the electoral calendar and expressed concerns concerning the restrictions of political freedoms and press freedom . He also called for an inclusive dialogue with civil society and the opposition to guarantee the legitimacy of the process.

In December 2024, the curfew established after the coup is lifted , a sign of an improvement in the security situation. However, the fight against crime and border security remain priorities. If the end of the Bongo family is perceived as a victory for some, everything will depend on the ability of the new government to keep its promises and engage in real and lasting reforms. It will take more than a simple change of head to offer a prosperous future in Gabon.