Gabon’s former President Ali Bongo Ondimba and his family have been released from detention and have arrived in Luanda, Angola, following months of house arrest after a 2023 military coup. The announcement was made on Friday by the Angolan presidency, which shared photographs of the Bongo family’s arrival on social media.
Bongo, who ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for 14 years after succeeding his father in 2009, was overthrown in August 2023 by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The coup ended the Bongo family’s 55-year rule. Since then, Bongo had been held under house arrest in Libreville, while his wife Sylvia and son Noureddin faced detention over accusations of embezzling public funds.
Their release follows diplomatic talks between Angolan President João Lourenço and Gabon’s new leader, Oligui, although no further details of the agreement were disclosed. Oligui, who led the junta that staged the coup, was sworn in earlier this month after winning a disputed election with 94.85% of the vote—an outcome that international observers said showed no major irregularities.
The release has sparked criticism within Gabon. Former Prime Minister and presidential candidate Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze said the move exposed the unlawful nature of the family’s detention, suggesting it was more a response to international pressure than an act of clemency.
There were also allegations from the Bongos’ legal team that Sylvia and Noureddin were tortured during their incarceration. Reports indicated they had recently been moved from detention cells to a family residence before being flown to Angola.
Transitional parliament member Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka condemned the secretive release, calling it “a real disgrace” and questioning Gabon’s sovereignty. He claimed the move was likely the price for the country’s recent reintegration into the African Union, which lifted sanctions on Gabon on April 30.
Bongo’s presidency was marked by controversy. Narrowly re-elected in 2016 after a disputed and violent election, he later suffered a stroke in 2018, raising doubts about his ability to govern. His limited public appearances and the opaque nature of his administration added to mounting dissatisfaction.
Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, the nation of 2.3 million people has struggled with high unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and significant public debt. As Gabon transitions from military to civilian rule, Oligui and his administration face mounting pressure to restore democratic order and address longstanding economic and governance challenges.
Written By Rodney Mbua
