LIBREVILLE, Gabon -- Gabon will hold a presidential election on April 12, the council of ministers said. The West African country is currently ruled by the military following a coup in August 2023.

Gabon's transitional government said presidential elections would be held on April 12, a key step to reestablish civilian rule after a coup ended the Bongo dynasty's decades-long reign. Government spokesman Seraphin Akure Davain made the announcement early Thursday following a Cabinet meeting.

Gabon’s Council of Ministers announced on Wednesday that the country will hold presidential elections on April 12, 2025. There are concerns about the fairness of the election process, as an exception has been made for interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema to run for president.

Markets have responded positively to announcement by Gabon's transitional government that presidential election will take place on April 12, 2025, which will mark a return to civilian rule. The military,

The Council of Ministers confirmed the date of the vote after a meeting in Libreville chaired by the military ruler, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

Gabon’s council of ministers announced that presidential elections would be held on April 12, ending the military rule that began with a coup in 2023. A ministerial cabinet meeting minutes confirmed the scheduling of the presidential election.

Gabon’s junta-led government said it will hold presidential elections on April 12, raising the prospects for a return to civilian rule.