In Gabon, significant political upheaval has occurred recently following a military coup. On August 30, 2023, shortly after the announcement that incumbent President Ali Bongo had won the general election with 64.27% of the vote, the Gabonese military launched a coup d'état. The coup was led by Brice Oligui Nguema, a high-ranking officer and member of the Bongo family, who overthrew his cousin Ali Bongo, ending the Bongo family's 56-year rule over Gabon
. The military dissolved state institutions, annulled the election results, and closed the country's borders temporarily. Ali Bongo and several senior officials were arrested and placed under house arrest or detention on various charges including corruption and embezzlement. Bongo released a video pleading for help but remained detained
. Following the coup, Gabon held a referendum on a new constitution proposed by the transitional military leadership, which voters approved. This constitution aims to change the political system and reduce the presidential term from seven to five years
. On May 3, 2025, Brice Oligui Nguema, the former junta chief who led the coup, was sworn in as Gabon's president after winning the election with nearly 95% of the vote. His inauguration signals a return to constitutional order and a promise of democratic renewal
. In summary, Gabon experienced a military coup in August 2023 that ended decades of Bongo family rule, followed by transitional governance, constitutional changes, and the election and inauguration of the coup leader as president in 2025
