On 5 May 2025, President-elect Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema appointed Gabon’s first civilian government since the August 2023 military coup, officially ending the transitional period. Here are the key aspects of the new government:
Focus on Financial Recovery
The new government has been streamlined to 2 vice presidents and 30 ministers, down from 35 in the transitional cabinet. One third of cabinet members are women.
Henri-Claude Oyima, CEO of Gabon-based BGFI Bank and head of the Gabonese Confederation of Businesses, was appointed Minister of Economy, Finances, Debt, Participations, and Fight Against High Cost of Living. The appointment of this experienced banker and businessman signals Nguema’s commitment to addressing debt and liquidity issues, with Oyima likely to restart negotiations with the IMF.
Continuity and National Unity
The new cabinet maintains several key members from the transitional government, including military officers and both allies and opponents of deposed president Ali Bongo:
- Alexandre Barro Chambrier, a prominent Bongo opponent and former vice prime minister in the transitional government, was named Vice President of the Government and will lead the cabinet (the 2024 constitution abolished the prime minister position).
- Séraphin Moundounga, former justice minister under Bongo, was appointed Vice President of the Republic and will serve as interim president during Nguema’s absence.
- Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, Nguema’s close ally and spokesperson for the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI- the military governing body during the transitional period) is now Minister of Transport, Merchant Marine and Logistics.
- Several ministers in key portfolios retained their positions, ensuring continuity in critical government functions: General Brigitte Onkanowa (minister of defense), Hermann Immongault (minister of interior), Regis Onanga Ndiaye (minister of foreign affairs) and Mays Mouissi (minister of environment).
The government will continue pursuing greater economic sovereignty and improved national development in the extractives sectors:
- Gilles Nembé remains Minister of Mines and Geological Resources, charged with boosting mining production through infrastructure improvements. With his extensive background spanning both private industry and the mining sector, including significant experience at Comilog (the Gabonese subsidiary of French manganese giant Eramet), he brings valuable expertise to the position. He recently met with representatives from Ivindo Iron (the company developing the Belinga iron ore project) to press for stronger local community support initiatives.
- Sosthène Nguema Nguema, a technocrat and MP during the transitional period, is the new Minister of Oil and Gas. He must balance attracting foreign investment while promoting national energy sovereignty. He is also tasked with increasing transparency through the publication of oil contracts and the implementation of real-time monitoring of exports.