Libreville, Gabon — President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on 5 January presided over a “port de galons” ceremony in the capital, promoting 18 senior officers whose new ranks take effect under the 2026 military advancement cycle, according to an official statement released the same day.
The brief communiqué, issued by the Agence Gabonaise de Presse, said the president carried out the promotions “in accordance with his constitutional prerogatives” but gave no breakdown of the officers’ names, former ranks, or new assignments.
The ceremony was held at the presidential palace and followed the president’s traditional New Year greetings to the armed forces, local sources report.
Since taking power after the 30 August 2023 transition that ended the Bongo administration, General Oligui has also served as defence minister and has repeatedly adjusted the military command structure. Official statements indicate the latest promotions form part of ongoing efforts to “modernise and professionalise” the 5,000-strong national army, though no timetable for further changes was released.
Independent observers note that senior — rank reviews under transitional governments are often used to consolidate loyalty and rebalance representation among the army’s land, air and maritime branches.
The government has not published a full list of those elevated, and it remains unclear whether additional promotion events are planned for 2026. Further details are expected when the defence ministry finalises individual decrees in the official gazette.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
