Ali Bongo acknowledges past events, ends electoral ambitions but remains active in politics
In a message released on August 17, former President Ali Bongo Ondimba announced the end of his electoral ambitions, stating he will no longer seek an elective mandate. This declaration comes nearly three years after the August 30, 2023 coup. Despite stepping back from seeking office, Bongo emphasized that he will not withdraw from political life, asserting his continued presidency of the Gabonese Democratic Party PDG. He intends to focus on rebuilding the PDG, aiming to foster a responsible opposition and a credible alternative for Gabon. Bongo's message, titled "Message of good wishes to the Gabonese people on the occasion of Gabon's 66th Independence Anniversary," avoids direct confrontation with the current government or explicit mention of the coup, instead stating he has "taken note, once and for all, of what happened." He defended his 14 years in power, rejecting any mea culpa and asserting the right to remember his achievements. Bongo's focus is now on guiding the PDG, which governed Gabon for over half a century, to renew itself and learn to operate as an opposition force, contributing to the country's political landscape without holding state power.
