Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema Launches New Political Party UDB

• Brice Oligui Nguema launched the Democratic Union of Builders in Gabon.
• The UDB aims to rebuild the Gabonese social contract amid historical shifts.
• NGEUMA’s motto focuses on inclusion, development, and happiness for citizens.
• Ngeuma promises a transparent candidate selection process within the new party.
• The established regime was the Gabonese Democratic Party, long held by the Bongo family.

Brice Oligui Nguema establishes new political party in Gabon.

After a dramatically turbulent political history, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema has officially introduced his political party, the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB). The formal announcement came on July 6, 2025, amid a throng of enthusiastic supporters in Libreville. This formation of the new party marks a significant shift in Gabon’s political landscape, especially considering the recent history of the Bongo family, which had dominated the country’s governance for over half a century. The UDB, as stated by Nguema, aims to connect with the people of Gabon and to truly build upon a social contract that has been neglected for decades.

Aiming for transparency with a new political vision.

The creative spirit behind the UDB is summarized in its motto: inclusion, development, and happiness. This mantra represents a commitment to unite all citizens under a common vision for Gabon’s growth and progress. During his speech, Nguema highlighted that the country had suffered for too long under a political system that often distorted democratic aspirations. He vowed not to recreate such a system through his party, assuring potential supporters that he would implement a primary election process to decide candidates. This approach signals a desire for transparent representation and, potentially, a shift towards a more democratized political culture in Gabon.

Support grows as political landscape shifts from Bongo rule.

When Nguema assumed power during the August 2023 coup, he ended a longstanding political dynasty marked by controversy. In the presidential election held in April, he secured an astounding 95 percent of the votes. Despite such a significant victory, independent observers noted that the electoral process appeared free of substantial irregularities, which lends an air of credibility to his mandate. The new party’s inaugural congress attracted thousands, highlighting a widespread interest in the recent shift away from the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), the long-standing ruling entity under the Bongo leadership. Critics of the former regime expressed hope that the UDB could offer a fresh perspective on governance moving forward.

The launch of the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB) by Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema signifies a pivotal moment in the country’s political transformation. With a strong emphasis on inclusion and transparency, Nguema aims to redefine political engagement for Gabonese citizens. As the nation moves forward, it remains to be seen how successful these changes will be in fostering genuine democratic practices and societal rebuilding.