VP Shettima, African leaders attend inauguration of Gabon’s President
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima joined other African leaders on Saturday to witness the inauguration of Gabon’s new President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema—marking a significant milestone in the country’s return to democratic rule.
The ceremony, held at the Stade de l’Amitié Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville, drew thousands of Gabonese citizens and featured military parades, cultural displays, and a strong show of national unity.
President Nguema, who won the April 12, 2025, presidential election after defeating seven contenders, transitions from interim to elected leader after serving 20 months as transitional president following the ouster of former President Ali Bongo.
In his inaugural address, Nguema thanked the people of Gabon for their support and vowed to focus on national development, youth empowerment, and tackling issues such as insecurity and inadequate water supply. He also pledged to cooperate with the United Nations and urged peaceful coexistence among African nations.
Vice President Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attended the ceremony alongside other African leaders, including Presidents Teodoro Obiang Nguema (Equatorial Guinea), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), John Dramani Mahama (Ghana), Faustin-Archange Touadéra (Central African Republic), and Adama Barrow (The Gambia).
Also present were Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), Félix Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of Congo), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno (Chad), Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo), Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Umaro Sissoco Embaló (Guinea-Bissau), and Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), among others.
Shettima was accompanied by Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, and Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President). The delegation has since returned to Abuja.
