GABON’S newly appointed Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, has described the two-year transition period to free elections, as prom
ised by the country’s military rulers, as a ‘reasonable objective.’ In an exclusive interview with AFP, Ndong Sima outlined the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition back to civilian rule after a military-led coup in August.
‘The desire is to see the process come to an end in 24 months so we can go back to elections,’ stated Ndong Sima, who assumed the role of prime minister during the transition. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of the transition period varying in duration.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the August coup against President Ali Bongo Ondimba, appointed Ndong Sima as the head of the transitional government last week. The coup occurred shortly after Bongo was declared the winner of a presidential election, which had been denounced as fraudulent by both the army and the opposition.
Nguema, who proclaimed himself president for the transitional period, pledged to return the country to civilian rule through elections but did not specify the exact length of the transition.
Raymond Ndong Sima, a 68-year-old Paris-educated economist, previously served as prime minister under Pre
sident Bongo from 2012 to 2014 before becoming a vocal critic and running against him in the 2016 and 2023 presidential campaigns. His appointment as prime minister was announced on state television via a decree issued by General Oligui.
Under the transitional charter, none of the members of the temporary government will be eligible to run in the next presidential election. However, there is no apparent prohibition preventing General Oligui from participating in the upcoming election. In addition to ensuring a transition to civilian rule, the military rulers have pledged to draft a new constitution through a referendum and implement a new electoral code.
Speaking about the transition process, Ndong Sima explained, ‘The principle announced is that there is no longer either an opposition nor a majority, so we are taking people in all political families.’ He emphasised that discussions would be held regarding the duration of the transition period and eligibility criteria for election candidates.
‘It would not, however, be good for the military to stand, so they can be impartial and objective arbiters of the elections,’ added the prime minister.
Notably, the new government announced by Ndong Sima on Saturday includes military figures and former ministers who served under ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, but it does not include prominent figures from the main opposition. As Gabon navigates this transitional phase, the nation’s commitment to restoring democracy and conducting free and fair elections remains at the forefront of discussions.
(with AFP)
