The Gabonese political landscape shifted with the confirmation of a 26-member Transitional Government, announced by the Gabonese authorities. The declaration came as part of a formal decree that outlined the cabinet structure during the ongoing transition. This move follows the appointment of a Transitional President, Brice Clotaire Olig Nguema, and the confirmation of the new prime minister, Ndong Sima, on September 7 in a bid to stabilize governance after the recent upheaval.
Raymond Ndong Sima, who has been positioned as the Transitional Prime Minister, emphasized that the government’s composition was carefully structured to reflect both continuity and change. The new lineup includes key figures who bring experience from various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, energy, and natural resources. Regis Onanga Ndiaye was named head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signaling a focus on restoring international engagement and regional partnerships. Brigadier General Brigitte Onkadova was designated minister-delegate to the president with responsibility for national defense, underscoring the ongoing priority given to security and stability.
In the energy and extractive sectors, Marssel Abeke leads the Ministry of Petroleum, while Hervé Patrick Opianga takes charge of the Ministry of Mineral Industry. Jeannot Air Conditioning was appointed to oversee the Ministry of Energy, a move seen as central to addressing the country’s evolving energy needs and infrastructure development. Notably, three ministers from the previous administration remained in their roles, a signal of continuity intended to facilitate a smoother transition.
Earlier developments revealed the momentous step of opening Gabon’s borders following the consolidation of power by the military group that had seized control. A spokesperson from the Committee for the Transition and Reconstruction of Gabon’s Institutions (CTRI), Ulrich Manfumbi, confirmed on state television that the republic’s borders would be opened. Documents indicate that the land and air borders were opened on September 2, with maritime borders included in the measure, reflecting an intent to reestablish normal cross-border movement and international engagement as quickly as possible.
Previously, after the morning of August 30, a group of high-ranking officials announced that the presidential election results had been canceled and that government institutions would be closed. They announced the power shift on Gabon’s leading national channel, Gabon 24, asserting that they had taken control to guide the country through the transitional period. The sequence of events highlights the urgency and seriousness with which the new authorities approached the stabilization of governance, security, and administrative continuity.
Observers consider these developments within the broader context of regional and international reactions, noting that the steps taken in Gabon have implications for stability, governance reforms, and the ongoing dialogue with partner nations. The situation remains fluid as institutions begin implementing the transitional framework, with attention to transparency, rule of law, and the consistent delivery of public services for the Gabonese people. In parallel, analysts compare the Gabonese experience with ongoing post-transition processes across Africa, examining how civilian-led transitions balance security imperatives with democratic legitimacy. Although challenges remain, the path charted by the decree and subsequent appointments signals a deliberate effort to steer the country toward institutional normalization and broader national reconstruction, as reported by Gabonese state media and observers on the ground.