Following his election on February 21, Raphaël Edzang is prepared to officially assume the leadership of the Rassemblement pour le Gabon (RPG). The handover ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 27, at the party’s central offices located in the Petit Paris neighborhood of Libreville.
This investiture marks a significant turning point for the political organization established by Paul Mba Abessole. During the event, the incoming president is expected to present his strategic roadmap, define the party’s trajectory for the coming years, and offer his perspective on major national developments.
A new vision for Gabonese politics
The leadership transition introduces a bold new mantra: “The RPG is change, and change is now.” This slogan, championed by Raphaël Edzang and his team, signals a departure from the previous era led by Laurent Angué Mezui.
By adopting this motto, the new party leader aims to inject fresh energy into the organization. His agenda prioritizes political integrity, national development, and a commitment to addressing the immediate concerns of the population. Furthermore, Raphaël Edzang intends to strengthen the RPG‘s position as a primary source of policy proposals and a central player in the country’s political discourse.
A profile of the new leader
An economist by profession, Raphaël Edzang is a seasoned high-ranking official. Born on October 25, 1970, in Ellelem 1, located in the Woleu Ntem province, he has built a distinguished career in the public sector. Notably, he served at the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGMP), where he held the position of Director of Public Procurement.
His deep involvement with the RPG dates back to 2009, when he served as a special advisor to the party president. Since then, he has been a consistent figure within the party, standing as a candidate in the legislative elections of 2011, 2018, 2023, and 2025.
Historically, the RPG was founded in the late 1990s by Paul Mba Abessole, emerging from the split of the Rassemblement national des bucherons (RNB). Initially a formidable opposition force, the party eventually joined the presidential majority under the late Omar Bongo Ondimba, despite having previously been one of his most vocal critics.
