Gabon's council of ministers said late on Wednesday that presidential elections would be held on April 12, 2025, marking an end to the military rule that began with a coup on August 30, 2023.

A ministerial cabinet meeting minutes released overnight confirmed the scheduling of the presidential election.

"Under the terms of this decree, the electoral college is convened for Saturday 12 April 2025," the minutes said.

Gabon's interim President Brice Oligui Nguema seized power in a coup, the eight in West and central Africa between 2020 and 2023, that ended the long-standing rule of his predecessor Ali Bongo and his family over the oil-rich but impoverished nation.

In November, Gabon voted yes in a referendum on a new constitution, delivering on a promise by the military coup leaders to take steps towards restoring constitutional rule.

But some observers fear that the ruling junta may use the process to remain in power. While transitional leaders are barred from running for the presidency, an exception has been made for Nguema in the new constitution.