Gabon’s interim president, Gen Oligui Nguema, who took power in a coup a year ago, has prohibited members of his transitional government from taking holidays abroad.
He also introduced a new rule limiting officials to a maximum of one week of holiday leave.
These measures were announced on state television following a nationwide tour by Gen Nguema to hear the concerns of the public.
Speculation is growing that he may be preparing to run for president in next year’s election, the first since he overthrew his cousin, Ali Bongo, who had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who ruled for 41 years.
Since the coup, Gen Nguema has emphasized that his military-led government is acting in the people’s best interest. However, he has not publicly declared whether he intends to run in the 2025 elections.
The timing of the holiday restrictions, just days before the coup’s first anniversary, suggests that Gen Nguema may be positioning himself favorably against the former president, Ali Bongo, who was known for frequent overseas trips and owned properties in France and the UK.
While Gen Nguema himself reportedly owns properties in the U.S., he has previously insisted that his private life should remain private. It is expected that the new holiday restrictions will apply to him as well, though exceptions for official travel are likely.
The new rules, detailed on state television, are intended to “immerse” government officials in the lives and expectations of their fellow citizens.
A government spokesman explained that the aim is to encourage officials to reconnect with their roots and foster closer ties with local communities. Exceptions will only be allowed in cases of “force majeure” or for health reasons.
Despite the restrictions, Gabonese officials can still enjoy the many attractions within their own country, such as beautiful white sand beaches and world-class gorilla safaris in Loango National Park.
