Amidst the turmoil following the coup d’état in Gabon on August 30, 2023, General Brice Oligui Nguema has emerged as a central figure in the attempted power takeover. Who is General Brice Oligui Nguema?
Two decades ago, during the tenure of long-standing African president Omar Bongo, Brice Oligui Nguema began to make a name for himself. Serving as an aide-de-camp to Omar Bongo, he gained access to inner circles of power, partaking in strategic decisions and witnessing internal political dynamics. This positioned him to build strong connections not only with the president himself but also with other key figures within the regime.
Tensions with Ali Bongo When Ali Bongo succeeded his father as president, his relationship with Oligui Nguema took a different turn. The exact reasons for their disagreements remain speculative, but they were serious enough for Ali Bongo to exile Oligui Nguema. First to the Gabonese embassy in Morocco and later to Senegal, these exiles were not diplomatic vacations; they were attempts to marginalize Oligui Nguema and keep him away from Gabon’s internal affairs.
Despite these tensions and trials, Oligui Nguema’s primary mission remained unchanged: to ensure the protection of Ali Bongo. This speaks to his loyalty to the country and his professionalism. Even if he disagreed with the president, he always understood the importance of his mission, as he often said, “Protecting the head of state was not only a professional duty but also a matter of national security.”
However, General Brice Oligui Nguema is not solely known for his strategic position within the Gabonese military but also for his charismatic personality and relational ease.
Charisma and Communication Described as affable, General Oligui Nguema possesses remarkable communication skills. His conversational ease has allowed him to forge strong relationships not only within the military but also with key political and media players in Gabon. His fearlessness in front of journalists showcases his self-assuredness and transparency. In an environment where relations between the military and the media can be strained, his willingness to engage in dialogue is a valuable asset.
Leading the Republican Guard is no small feat. This strategic position bestows upon him a significant responsibility in safeguarding state institutions and the president himself. The trust placed in him to occupy this role reflects his military expertise, leadership, and loyalty to the country.
Family Origins: Deep Roots in Gabon General Oligui Nguema’s genealogy is deeply intertwined with Gabon’s history and geography. Hailing from Woleu-Ntem, a region in northern Gabon, he has roots in an area known for its cultural and historical richness. Bordering Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, this region has played a pivotal role in Gabon’s political and economic history.
The fact that the general’s mother comes from the same region as the Bongo family strengthens historical and political ties between him and one of Gabon’s most influential families. This connection may have played a role in his military and political career, providing him with both opportunities and challenges.
