Gabon: Marie Joselle Itsana makes history as first woman leader of UPG
The Gabonese People’s Union (UPG) is stepping into uncharted territory. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Libreville, following a highly anticipated extraordinary Congress, Marie Joselle Itsana was elected as the party’s new president. This landmark moment marks the first time in its history that a woman has assumed leadership of this influential political movement.
The vote was exceptionally close, reflecting the intensity of internal debates. Out of 43 ballots cast, Marie Joselle Itsana secured 23 votes, narrowly defeating her opponent Roger Mouloungui, who received 20 votes.
Uniting a fractured party amid calls for renewal
The new president has made no secret of the divisions that marked the Congress. Instead, she has sought to transform these differences into a unifying force. Speaking with both humility and resolve after her victory, she emphasized the vitality of the party’s democratic process. « Our Congress revealed diverse perspectives and sometimes opposing views. This is proof that our movement is alive and evolving, » she remarked, acknowledging the weight of her new responsibilities.
For Itsana, the path forward demands cohesion above all. Recognizing how past infighting has weakened the party, she has called for an end to factionalism and urged members to embrace a collective rebuilding effort.
Restoring the UPG’s political prominence
Itsana’s ambition is clear: to restore the UPG to its former stature as a leading force in Gabonese politics. Her roadmap outlines ambitious goals, including strengthening the party’s grassroots presence nationwide and advancing a platform rooted in sovereignty, justice, transparency, and sustainable development.
Honoring the past while empowering the future
While looking ahead, Itsana paid tribute to the party’s founding figures, particularly the late Pierre Mamboundou, the UPG’s iconic leader, and the activists who fought for democracy. « We must honor the legacy we have inherited and take responsibility for the one we pass on, » she declared with conviction.
Turning her attention to Gabon’s youth, she issued a rallying cry, urging young militants to take an active role in shaping the party’s future. « A new chapter begins today—right now—for the UPG, » she affirmed, signaling a decisive turning point for the movement.
