Gabon's President Oligui Nguema faces growing domestic discontent despite diplomatic gains
via Gabon Review3 min read
A recent investigation by the pan-African newspaper Jeune Afrique portrays President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as a leader who is methodically consolidating his diplomatic standing but is simultaneously grappling with unforeseen and widespread domestic discontent. The report, published on May 28, highlights a striking diagnosis from the president's inner circle, indicating that Oligui is realizing his unpopularity, which is described as a "brutal" blow coming from all sides, including the population that initially hailed him as a liberator. The timeline of protests detailed by Jeune Afrique is extensive, beginning in November 2025 with an unlimited strike by hospital staff in Port-Gentil demanding a year's worth of bonus arrears and service modernization. December saw a strike notice from the oil sector, followed by national education unions demanding career regularization, which jeopardized school reopenings in January. Two union figures, Marcel Libama and Simon Ndong Edzo, were imprisoned for "obstruction of access to public service" before being provisionally released. The unrest spread to Gabon Premi猫re, Radio Gabon, magistrates, court clerks, higher education, and eventually the entire civil service. In addition to social unrest, decisions such as the suspension of WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok since mid-February have drawn criticism. The incarceration of Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Oligui's main opponent in the 2025 presidential election, on April 15 for "f
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