Marie Joselle Itsana becomes first woman to lead Gabon’s upg at historic congress

The Union du Peuple Gabonais (UPG) enters a new era. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Libreville, following a highly anticipated extraordinary congress, Marie Joselle Itsana was elected party president. This event marks a historic milestone: she becomes the first woman ever to lead this iconic political formation.

The vote was exceptionally close, reflecting lively internal debates. Out of 43 ballots cast, Marie Joselle Itsana secured 23 votes, narrowly defeating her rival Roger Mouloungui, who received 20.

The challenge of unity and renewal

Far from ignoring the fault lines that emerged during the congress, the new president chose to turn them into a force for unity. “Our congress expressed different sensitivities, sometimes divergent opinions. This proves our party is alive,” the leader stated, accepting her victory with humility tinged with gravity in the face of the immense task ahead.

For Marie Joselle Itsana, the immediate priority is cohesion. Aware of the tensions that have weakened the movement in the past, she issued a passionate call to end factional infighting. Her mantra is clear: turn the page on internal divisions to embark on a collective rebuilding.

Becoming a major political force again

The new president aims to restore the UPG to the prominent stature it once held on Gabon’s political stage. To achieve this, she outlined an ambitious roadmap. It includes rebuilding the party’s grassroots presence across the country while championing a project firmly focused on sovereignty, justice, transparency, and development.

Honoring a legacy, mobilizing youth

While looking to the future, Marie Joselle Itsana paid tribute to the party’s historic figures, beginning with its iconic founder, the late Pierre Mamboundou, as well as activists who fell for democracy. “We must be worthy of the legacy we have received and responsible for the one we will pass on,” she emphasized.

Turning finally to the future, she invited the new generation of activists to actively participate in upcoming strategic choices, declaring that a new chapter begins “today and now” for the UPG.