Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside a host of African leaders, attended the inauguration of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as President of Gabon on Saturday. The ceremony, held at the Stade de l’Amitié sino-gabonaise in Libreville, marked the official start of Nguema’s term as Gabon’s democratically elected president. Nguema had previously served as interim president for 20 months after the ousting of long-time leader Ali Bongo. His victory in the April 12, 2025, presidential election, where he triumphed over seven other candidates, signified Gabon’s return to democratic governance.
The inauguration was a momentous occasion, with military parades, traditional music, dance, and cultural displays reflecting Gabon’s rich heritage. Thousands of Gabonese citizens, alongside dignitaries from across the African continent, gathered to witness the historic event. In his speech, President Nguema thanked the people of Gabon for their overwhelming support, emphasizing his commitment to leading a government that listens to its people. He pledged to focus on tackling key national challenges, including insecurity, crime, and inadequate access to clean water.
Nguema also outlined his vision for youth empowerment, stating that his administration would work to secure a brighter future for the nation’s young people. He called for regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence among African nations and reaffirmed his intention to work closely with the United Nations to promote global peace and development.
Representing Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation, which included Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, and Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President. Nigeria’s presence at the inauguration underscored its commitment to supporting stable democratic transitions across Africa.
The event was attended by more than a dozen African heads of state and former leaders, including President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, and President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. Other notable dignitaries included Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad, and Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, among others.
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