Gabon Enshrines Holiday in New Constitution to Remember End of Bongo Era

A proposed new constitution in Gabon, introduced by the ruling junta, calls for a national holiday commemorating the end of the Bongo dynasty’s rule, media outlets reported on Tuesday. The transitional government released the draft text on Monday, following its approval by the Council of Ministers last week. A referendum on the constitution is scheduled for November 16.

The draft includes a national “liberation day” to mark the end of the Bongo family’s 55-year rule, which officially ended on August 30 of the previous year, when former President Ali Bongo Ondimba was ousted. Other proposed changes include the elimination of the prime minister role and a seven-year presidential term with a one-term renewal limit.

On August 30 last year, an hour after Bongo’s re-election to a third presidential term, a military junta led by General Brice Oligui Nguema ousted him, citing a fraudulent election. Oligui has since pledged to return the country to civilian governance in the oil-rich West African nation, and has expressed interest in running in the upcoming presidential election set for August 2025.

“The proposed constitution, a product of your contributions during national consultations, is now available. I invite you to review it carefully, to fully understand its implications, and to take time for thoughtful consideration,” the transitional president posted on X.

The amendments recommend a two-term limit on the presidency, election by direct universal suffrage, and a definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Presidential candidates would be required to have at least one Gabonese-born parent, hold no other nationality, and be married to a Gabonese national, reinforcing the distinction between native Gabonese citizens and others, excluding naturalized Gabonese and dual nationals, as noted by Gabon Review.