Gabon: political analyst warns against hijacking oligui nguema’s mandate

Former presidential candidate Dieudonné Minlama Mintogo has broken months of silence to deliver a pointed warning to Gabon’s new leadership. In a candid assessment shared with the press, he highlights a growing concern that the unprecedented mandate granted to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema could be reduced to a narrow partisan agenda.

The 2025 presidential election saw Oligui Nguema secure over 94% of the vote—a historic landslide that, according to Minlama, represents far more than a political victory. It is a national mandate forged in the aftermath of the 2023 constitutional transition, one that transcends party lines and embodies the collective aspirations of the Gabonese people.

a mandate forged by the people, not a party

In his analysis, Minlama emphasizes that the president’s overwhelming support cannot be claimed by any single political faction. Instead, it reflects a broad-based consensus born from the desire for renewal and stability. «The greatest danger now is reducing this popular mandate to a partisan tool, » he cautions. Such a shift, he warns, risks alienating the diverse coalition of citizens, civil society leaders, and political figures who stood behind the transition.

the threat of a divided republic

The former candidate underscores that the strength of Oligui Nguema’s leadership lies in its unifying potential. The transition was backed by a wide spectrum of Gabonese, united by a shared commitment to move beyond past divisions. However, Minlama cautions that any move toward exclusionary governance could fracture this fragile unity, undermining the very foundation of the new Republic.

For him, the real challenge ahead is not consolidating power but fostering an inclusive system that draws on the nation’s collective talent, regardless of political affiliation. A Republic built on narrow interests risks repeating the mistakes of the past, he argues.

honoring the spirit of august 30

At its core, Minlama’s message is a call for vigilance. While the president’s mandate is undeniably strong, its true value lies in its inclusivity. The 94% electoral victory was not merely a political score but a mandate to govern for all Gabonese. «This is not a blank check for partisan control, » he stresses, « but a solemn responsibility to uphold the spirit of August 30—a day when Gabon chose unity over division. »