Gabon’s Nguema names civilian cabinet with 10 women

LIBREVILLE, Gabon

Newly sworn-in President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has announced the appointment of a 30-member government headed by the Vice-President of the Government, Alexandre Barro Chambrier.

According to the presidential decree released on Monday by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, Guy Rossatanga Rignault, the new government includes three Ministers of State.

The list of appointees features 10 women, representing 30 percent of its members.

Among them are Louise Mvono, who previously worked at the World Bank office in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, and has now been appointed Minister of Planning and Prospective, and former presidential candidate Zenaba Gninga Chaning, who was appointed Minister of Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises.

Henri Claude Oyima, who leads the BGFIBANK group, has been appointed Minister of State in charge of Economy, Budget, Public Accounts, Debt, and the Fight Against the High Cost of Living.

Also, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, former spokesperson for the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions — the military body that led the country during the transition, has been named Minister of State for Transport and Merchant Marine.

Similarly, Camelia Ntoutoume-Leclercq retains her position as Minister of State for National Education, while Regis Onanga Ndiaye remains Foreign Minister. General Brigitte Onkanowa retains her position as Minister of National Defence, and Sosthene Nguema Nguema has been appointed Minister of Petroleum.

Earlier on Monday, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, 66, was appointed Vice-President of the Government by presidential decree.

This position replaces that of Prime Minister, abolished under the new Gabonese constitution adopted by referendum on 16 November 2024. The Vice-President of the Government is primarily responsible for coordinating government actions.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who previously headed the transitional government, was elected leader of the Central African country on 12 April with 94.85 percent of the vote.