The day after the inauguration of the Gabonese President, Brice Oligui Nguema, Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima handed in the resignation of his government to the new Head of State on Sunday 04 May 2025, thereby marking the end of the transitional government. The Head of State took note of the resignation and expressed his gratitude to Raymond Ndong Sima, praising his high sense of state, his commitment and his contribution to the rebuilding of Gabon.
On 04 May 2025, Raymond Ndong Sima, Prime Minister of the Gabonese Transition, handed in his resignation and that of his government to the Head of State, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. A formal but highly symbolic step, as it marks the end of the transitional regime and the definitive entry into the Fifth Republic.
Raymond Ndong, or the transition in general, all Gabonese are unanimous: it’s a complete success. It should be noted that we are entering the Fifth Republic through the front door. And if we have to talk about Raymond Ndong Sima, as I said earlier, the man has demonstrated his expertise, his experience, his hard work, and I believe that it was these qualities that led the head of the transition to choose him.
Michel Ndong Esso, Specialist in moral and political philosophy
With the official resignation of the transitional Prime Minister and his government, President Brice Oligui Nguema is now the sole master of the ship. The new leader of the Republic of Gabon is now expected to decide on the composition of his government. Raymond Ndong Sima, appointed head of the executive in September 2023, has embodied administrative continuity during a period of far-reaching reforms.
“When his relationship with the Head of State seemed to be wavering at one point, as we all remember, he kept his cool and put the general interest first, and got down to work. He kept a low profile. I think that’s what’s expected of an aide to the Head of State. We will spend hours thanking this man, this senior civil servant who managed his transitions alongside the military, which was not easy, associating politicians with the military at the start, there was a bit of pessimism, I think it is a success. So congratulations, Mr Raymond Ndong Sima.
Michel Ndong Esso, Specialist in moral and political philosophy
The recently adopted Constitution abolished the post of Prime Minister, concentrating all executive power in the hands of the Head of State. While this reform aims to make public action more effective, it also raises questions about the balance of power. As an alternative, the President will now have to appoint a government vice-president, a strategic position combining political influence and administrative control.
