The government, led by Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima for only four months, has undergone a reshuffle, expanding the team to 31 members from the previous 26. Key positions within President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma’s transitional administration remain unchanged.
Alexandre Barro Chambrier, aged 65, emerged as a prominent figure in the opposition against the ousted regime of Ali Bongo. Following the military coup on August 30, he applauded the fall of Omar Bongo’s son while urging the military to transfer power to Albert Ondo Ossa, whom he deemed the people’s choice in the presidential election on August 26. General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma, the transitional president, remained steadfast while extending an olive branch to the entire political class.
Despite not abandoning his presidential ambitions, Alexandre Barro Chambrier faced a dilemma as the transition charter prohibits individuals who have held high offices from participating in future elections. A week ago, Chambrier held a meeting with General Oligui Nguema. This one-on-one discussion resulted, seven days later, in his appointment to the government. “I am very pleased to be part of this transition,” declared the new Deputy Prime Minister, who also oversees Planning and Prospective.