Oligui Nguema reflects on first year in office with candor

He stated, "I am neither in self-satisfaction nor in discouragement. I am in action." Oligui Nguema acknowledged the immense collective expectation that led to his swearing-in on May 4, 2025, with 94.85% of the votes.

He noted that while the foundations of the Fifth Republic, including a new Constitution, free elections, and a return to constitutional order, have been laid, the country he inherited was "almost in ruins," burdened with over 7.5 trillion CFA francs in debt, neglected infrastructure, and struggling public services. He emphasized that the electoral legitimacy is a debt owed to the people, stating, "This people trusted me to change their daily lives. It is a sacred contract, and I must respect it."

Regarding employment, he clarified that the announced 163,000 jobs are a seven-year projection, with 88,000 direct and indirect jobs already being created in the public sector by March. On the International Monetary Fund, he revealed that he personally requested a complete audit of Gabon's public debt, asserting, "I will never sign an agreement that asks Gabonese people to tighten their belts while waste continues." Finally, concerning ritual crimes, he broke presidential silence by mentioning the possibility of a referendum on the issue.

The interview, conducted at the Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Palace