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 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.

Gabon's transitional government said Thursday that presidential elections would be held on April 12, a key step towards re-establishing civilian rule promised by the ruling junta. Oligiu has vowed to hand the reins back to civilians with elections after a transition period but has also made no secret of his desire to win the presidential race.