In a strong display of continental solidarity and support for democratic governance in Africa, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, joined fellow African leaders and thousands of citizens in Libreville on Saturday for the inauguration of Gabon’s new President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
President Nguema was officially sworn in following his victory in the 12 April 2025 presidential election, where he triumphed over seven other candidates. His inauguration marks the end of a 20-month transitional leadership period after the removal of former President Ali Bongo.
The ceremony, held at the Stade de l’Amitié sino-gabonaise in Gabon’s capital, was a vibrant affair featuring military parades, cultural displays, and widespread public participation.
In his inaugural address, President Nguema expressed gratitude to the Gabonese people for their overwhelming support, which he described as a mandate for national progress. He pledged to focus on youth empowerment, economic development, and tackling the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, crime, and water shortages.
He also acknowledged the importance of international cooperation, particularly with the United Nations, and called for continued peace and unity across Africa.
Vice President Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, attended the ceremony alongside other prominent African heads of state, including President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and many others.
The Vice President was accompanied on the brief diplomatic mission by the Chairman of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Usman Bello-Kumo, and the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibbo. He has since returned to Abuja.