List of Presidents of Gabon: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Gabon from 1961 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Gabon, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Gabon: Brice Oligui Nguema (in office since 2023).

Presidents of Gabon in order, with years in office

Léon M'ba

Served: 1961–1967

First president of independent Gabon; died in office in November 1967.

Jean-Hilaire Aubame

Served: 1964 (one day)

Opposition leader named president by officers in the 18 February 1964 coup, which lasted about a day.

Omar Bongo

Served: 1967–2009

Succeeded M'ba and ruled for 41 years until his death in 2009; the term limit was lifted for him in 2003.

Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge

Served: 2009 (acting)

Vice president who acted as head of state while Omar Bongo was in hospital, from May to June 2009.

Rose Francine Rogombé

Served: 2009 (interim)

President of the Senate who served as interim president for 128 days and is Gabon's first woman head of state.

Ali Bongo

Served: 2009–2023

Son of Omar Bongo; deposed in a coup on 30 August 2023, hours after being declared the winner of a disputed election.

Brice Oligui Nguema

Served: 2023–present

Led the August 2023 coup and the transition, then won the 12 April 2025 election with about 95% of the vote and was sworn in on 3 May 2025.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Gabon

Who is the current president of Gabon?

The current head of state of Gabon is Brice Oligui Nguema, in office since 2023.

Who were the previous presidents of Gabon?

The presidents and heads of state of Gabon listed on this page, in order, are: Léon M'ba, Jean-Hilaire Aubame, Omar Bongo, Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge, Rose Francine Rogombé, Ali Bongo, Brice Oligui Nguema.

Who was the first president of Gabon?

Léon M'ba was the first president of Gabon, in office 1961–1967.

Sources: Wikipedia, President of Gabon and List of heads of state of Gabon; AFP and other reports on the 3 May 2025 swearing-in (checked Nov 2026). Includes acting and interim leaders, who are labelled.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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