The Gabonese Republic has entered a transformative phase with the establishment of its Fifth Republic, marked by the inauguration of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on May 3, 2025. Just two days after his swearing-in, the president appointed his first government, a diverse team reflecting his commitment to reshaping public administration following the transition initiated in 2023.
A Comprehensive and Reform-Oriented Government
This newly appointed government includes key figures from the economic sector and civil society, signaling a shift toward inclusive governance. Below is the full list of ministers:
- Vice President of the Republic: Séraphin Moundounga
- Vice President of the Government: Alexandre Barro Chambrier
- Minister of State for Economy, Finance, Debt, and Public Participation, in charge of combating high living costs: Henri-Claude Oyima
- Minister of State for National Education, Civic Instruction, and Vocational Training: Camélia Ntoutoume-Leclercq
- Minister of Transport, Merchant Marine, and Logistics: Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi
- Minister of Reform and Institutional Relations: François Ndong Obiang
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Integration, and Diaspora: Régis Onanga Ndiaye
- Minister of National Defense: Brigitte Onkanowa
- Minister of Interior, Security, and Decentralization: Hermann Immongault
- Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, in charge of Human Rights: Séraphin Akure Davin
- Minister of Universal Access to Water and Energy: Philippe Tonangoye
- Minister of Communication and Media: Paul-Marie Gondjout
- Minister of Water and Forests, in charge of Human-Wildlife Conflict: Maurice Ntossui Allogo
- Minister of Environment, Ecology, and Climate: Mays Mouissi
- Minister of the Sea, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, and Government Spokesperson: Laurence Mengue Me Nzoghe, née Ndong
- Minister of Mines and Geological Resources: Gilles Nembé
- Minister of Petroleum and Gas: Sosthène Nguema Nguema
- Minister of Health: Professor Adrien Mougougou
- Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and Land Registry: Ludovic Menié
- Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts: Pascal Ogowet Siffon
- Minister of Planning and Prospective Development: Louise Mboumba Mbina
- Minister of Social Affairs and Inclusion: Nadine Awanang, née Anato
- Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research: Simplice-Désiré Mamboundou
- Minister of Public Service and Capacity Building: Marcelle Ibinga, née Itsitsa
- Minister of Labor, Full Employment, and Social Dialogue: Patrick Barbera-Isaac
- Minister of Industry and Local Transformation: Maître Lubin Ntoutoume
- Minister of Public Works and Construction: Édouard Mukendi
- Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation: Mark Doumba
- Minister of Entrepreneurship, Commerce, and SMEs-SMIs: Zenab Nyingha Chani
- Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development: Odette Polo, née Panzou
- Minister of Women, Family, and Child Protection: Élodie Diane Fouefoué, née Sandjoh
- Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Influence, and Arts, in charge of Associative Life: Dr. Armande Longo Moulengui
The Exceptional Journey of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema
Born on March 3, 1975, in Ngouoni, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema underwent rigorous military training at the Royal Military Academy of Meknes, Morocco. He held several strategic positions under Presidents Omar and Ali Bongo, including military attaché in Morocco and Senegal. In 2019, he was recalled to Gabon to lead the General Directorate of Special Services (DGSS) before assuming command of the Republican Guard in 2020.
On August 30, 2023, he led a coup d’état that ended 55 years of Bongo family rule, becoming the transitional president. His rise to power marked a historic break from the previous regime and a commitment to institutional reform.
His Achievements Since Taking Office
Since assuming leadership, President Oligui Nguema has spearheaded several major reforms:
- Adoption of a new Constitution ensuring a better balance of power.
- Anti-corruption measures, including a comprehensive audit of public finances and stricter administrative controls.
- Infrastructure rehabilitation, focusing on roads, schools, and healthcare centers.
- Economic diversification, emphasizing agriculture, local industry, and the green economy.
- National youth integration plan, featuring training centers tailored to labor market needs.
His vision for Gabon is built on transparent and efficient governance, aiming to create a prosperous and inclusive nation. His inauguration was welcomed by several African leaders, and he has pledged ambitious reforms to transform the country.
A Closer Look at Vice President Séraphin Moundounga
Born on February 29, 1964, in Tchibanga, Séraphin Moundounga has had a distinguished career in Gabonese politics. He initially worked in education before entering politics in 1990 as a deputy for the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG). He later served as First Quaestor of the National Assembly (1997-2009) and held ministerial positions in Education (2010-2014) and Justice (2014-2016).
In September 2016, following a contested presidential election, Moundounga resigned from the government and left the PDG, citing concerns over electoral transparency. Facing threats, he went into exile in France, where he founded UNITÉ, an NGO dedicated to human rights and democratic values. After seven years abroad, he returned to Gabon in October 2023, celebrating the fall of the Bongo regime as a “liberation.” He was appointed President of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) of the Transition, advocating for institutional reform and a more accountable executive branch.
His appointment as Vice President underscores President Oligui Nguema’s commitment to experienced leadership and democratic renewal. Moundounga’s dedication to transparency, reconciliation, and governance reform makes him a key figure in Gabon’s political transformation.
With this government and these reforms, Gabon embarks on a new chapter in its history. The coming months will reveal how these commitments materialize into tangible progress.
