Gabon's Political Landscape Shaken by Internal Strife
With legislative elections looming on September 27, 2025, Gabon's Democratic Party (PDG) is grappling with significant internal turmoil. The party, formerly dominant, is struggling to reorganize amidst a rapidly evolving political arena. Far from serene, the PDG is plagued by infighting, raising serious questions about its future viability.
At the heart of the conflict lies a challenge to the leadership of the ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Despite claiming statutory legitimacy, his authority is openly contested by the party's newly elected leadership, which emerged from a congress held in January. This new leadership feels empowered, knowing they have the implicit backing of the current authorities in Libreville.
Despite reports of failing health, Bongo Jr. hasn't come to terms with his loss of power. Blaise Louembe, the PDG's new president, and his colleagues have firmly established themselves at the party headquarters. Tensions flared recently when loyalists of Ali Bongo Ondimba, now exiled in England, attempted to hold a meeting on July 21, leading to clashes with the new occupants.
This internal power struggle casts a dark shadow over the PDG, a party founded by Bongo Sr. that once held sway over Gabon. The situation is particularly alarming given the cascade of resignations that followed President Ali Bongo's overthrow in the August 2023 coup. This exodus has significantly weakened the party. The ongoing tug-of-war between the old and new guard threatens the PDG's cohesion and paints a bleak picture for its future.
The open question is whether the PDG can resolve these internal conflicts and present a united front in the upcoming elections. The stability of Gabon's political landscape may very well depend on it.