The Union for the Republic (UPR) party in Gabon has marked a significant shift in its political stance over the past five years. Founded in 2021, the party has realigned its goals to support President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who took power after the August 30, 2023 coup. The party's secretary-general, Eflox Mbina, emphasized the party's commitment to accompanying Oligui Nguema, stating that "nothing will stop Gabon's march towards happiness."

The UPR party's president and founder, Gervais Oniane, outlined the party's future strategy, which involves consolidating its territorial presence to support Oligui Nguema and the Union for Democracy and Development (UDB). Oniane confirmed that the party will provide unwavering support to the president, a stance that has become central to the party's discourse since Oligui Nguema's candidacy for the 2025 presidential election.

The UPR party claims to have established a presence in several areas, including Libreville, Akanda, Owendo, and various localities in the Estuaire province. This expansion is part of the party's efforts to strengthen its territorial anchorage and effectively support Oligui Nguema's administration.

The party's shift in focus was celebrated during its fifth-anniversary commemoration, which took place recently. The event provided an opportunity for party members to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Oligui Nguema and his government. The UPR party's new direction is seen as a strategic move to align itself with the country's current political landscape.

The UPR party's support for Oligui Nguema is not surprising, given the party's involvement in the transition process that led to his ascension to power. The party's leadership has made it clear that it will continue to work closely with the president to achieve the country's development goals.

The UPR party's realignment has significant implications for Gabon's political landscape. As one of the country's key political parties, the UPR's support for Oligui Nguema is likely to have a major impact on the president's ability to implement his agenda. The party's commitment to supporting the president is seen as a positive development by some, who believe that it will help to stabilize the country's politics.

As Gabon looks to the future, the UPR party's support for Oligui Nguema is likely to remain a key factor in the country's politics. With the president's term set to continue, the UPR party's efforts to consolidate its territorial presence and support the president's administration will be closely watched by observers and citizens alike.

Key points

  • The UPR party has reaffirmed its support for President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who took power after the August 30, 2023 coup.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.