Gabonese authorities accused of torture by the Bongo family in a French court hearing
In a shocking turn of events, former Gabon President Ali Bongo, his wife Sylvia, and their eldest son Noureddin have testified before judges from the war crimes unit of the Paris tribunal, detailing allegations of torture during their detention following the 2023 coup.
The turbulent timeline of events began on August 30, 2023, when a coup d'état ousted Ali Bongo from power. After the coup, the former president and his family were reportedly detained by the new military authorities, with widespread allegations and concerns about their treatment. Concrete public evidence remains limited, but the Bongos have described 20 months of alleged mistreatment, including solitary confinement in the Libreville Central Prison and a basement office beneath the presidential palace.
Following nearly two years in detention, Ali Bongo, Sylvia, and Noureddin were released and relocated to Angola on May 16, 2025, following an agreement between Gabon’s new President Brice Oligui Nguema and Angolan President João Lourenço. This release marks a key point in the post-coup timeline, though legal proceedings against the Bongos continue, as confirmed by Gabonese prosecutor Eddy Minang.
The Bongos have alleged that they were subjected to humiliation and staged propaganda during their detention, and that they were forced to sign documents silencing them about the abuses shortly before they were evacuated to Angola in May this year. In a statement released on Thursday, they declared, "We will not be silent."
Prosecutors have linked Ali Bongo to assets allegedly purchased through kickbacks from military equipment deals, and investigations are focused on irregular transfers totalling approximately €406 million over a decade. Additionally, investigations are also focused on illegal sales of oil and other products under the previous regime.
In a separate development, Noureddin was charged with treason and corruption, while Sylvia faced charges of forgery, money laundering, and falsifying documents. Both were released in May 2024, following the intervention of Angolan President João Lourenço.
During their visit to France, Gabon's transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema is focusing on business and security matters. However, the allegations of torture and mistreatment leveled against his government by the Bongos are likely to cast a long shadow over his tenure.
- In the realm of international politics, the general news has been abuzz with allegations of torture and mistreatment faced by former Gabon President Ali Bongo and his family during their detention following the 2023 coup, raising concerns about human rights in Africa.
- The business community, meanwhile, is keeping a close eye on the investigations linked to Ali Bongo, with allegations indicating kickbacks from military equipment deals and illegal sales of oil under the previous regime.
- The crime and justice sector has also been active, with Noureddin, the eldest son of Ali Bongo, charged with treason and corruption, and Sylvia faced with forgery, money laundering, and falsifying documents.
- As the Africans continue their relocation in France, the focus on politics expands, as the turbulent timeline of events, including the alleged torture and humiliation of the Bongos, continues to cast a shadow over Gabon's new presidential leadership, prompting calls for a fair and just resolution.
