Brice Oligui Nguema - President of the Transition of the Gabonese Republic
Early Life and Education
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was born on March 3, 1975, in Ngouoni, Haut-Ogooué Province, Gabon. He is the son of a Teke mother and a Fang military officer. Oligui grew up mostly with his mother and her family in Haut-Ogooué. He studied at Omar Bongo University and later attended the Meknes Royal Military Academy in Morocco.
Brice Oligui Nguema Military Career
Brice Oligui Nguema began his military career as an aide-de-camp to President Omar Bongo until Bongo's death in 2009. He then served as a military attaché in Gabonese embassies in Morocco and Senegal. In October 2018, he returned to Gabon to lead the intelligence service of the Republican Guard. In April 2020, he became the head of the Gabonese Republican Guard, replacing General Grégoire Kouna.
Properties
According to a 2020 investigation, Brice Oligui Nguema owns several properties in the United States worth over $1 million.
Role in the 2023 Coup and Presidency
In August 2023, Brice Oligui Nguema played a major role in a coup that overthrew President Ali Bongo. Following the coup, Brice Oligui Nguema was named the interim president of Gabon by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions. He was officially sworn in as the transitional president on September 4, 2023.
Personal Life
Brice Oligui Nguema is married to Zita Nyangue Oligui. His brother-in-law, Régis Onanga Ndiaye, serves as his Minister for Foreign Affairs. Brice Oligui Nguema is a cousin of former President Ali Bongo, as both hail from the Bongo family stronghold in Haut-Ogooué.
Brice Oligui Nguema and His Cousin Ali Bongo Relationship
Brice Oligui Nguema and Ali Bongo are cousins, connected through their families from Haut-Ogooué Province, a stronghold of the Bongo family. Brice Oligui Nguema mother is a Teke, while Bongo's family is of the Fang ethnic group. Despite their familial connection, Brice Oligui Nguema rise to power came through a military coup in 2023 that overthrew Bongo. While they share a family link, their political paths have diverged significantly, with Oligui leading the transition government following the coup.
Brice Oligui Nguema Parents
Brice Oligui Nguema parents come from different backgrounds. His mother is from the Teke ethnic group, which is one of the groups in Gabon. His father was a military officer from the Fang ethnic group. Oligui was mostly raised by his mother and her family in Haut-Ogooué Province. His father's military background likely influenced his career path in the armed forces.
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