Raphaël Edzang officially assumes leadership of the RPG
Following his election as party president on February 21, Raphaël Edzang is set to formally take control of the Rassemblement pour le Gabon (RPG). The handover ceremony will occur on Saturday, June 27, at the party’s central office located in the Petit Paris district of Libreville.
This investiture serves as a platform for the incoming leader to outline his strategic roadmap for the coming years. He is expected to address major national issues and define the party’s stance on the current political landscape in Gabon.
A fresh start for the political formation
Under the leadership of the new executive team, which replaces that of Laurent Angué Mezui, the party has adopted a bold new mantra: “The RPG is change, and change is now.” This slogan reflects Raphaël Edzang‘s commitment to revitalizing the organization founded by Paul Mba Abessole.
The new president intends to foster a political environment centered on transparency, socio-economic development, and a closer connection to the daily concerns of the Gabonese people. His primary objective is to re-establish the RPG as a proactive force and a pivotal player in national politics.
The profile of a seasoned economist
Born on October 25, 1970, in Ellelem 1 within the Woleu Ntem province, Raphaël Edzang is a distinguished economist and senior civil servant. His professional background includes a significant tenure at the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGMP), where he served as the Director of Public Procurement.
His political journey with the RPG began in 2009 as a special advisor to the party president. Since then, he has remained a steadfast member, representing the party as a candidate in the legislative elections of 2011, 2018, 2023, and 2025.
The RPG emerged in the late 1990s following a split in the National Rally of Woodcutters (RNB). While it initially stood as a prominent opposition force against the administration of Omar Bongo Ondimba, it later transitioned into the presidential majority. Today, under Edzang, the party seeks to carve out a new path in African politics.
