- Ali Bongo, former president of Gabon, has departed the country for Angola.
- Bongo's family faced legal actions post-coup, moving from detention to house arrest.
- General Brice Oligui Nguema became Gabon's president after securing an election victory.
Ali Bongo, the former president of Gabon who was ousted in a military coup in August 2023, has left the country for Angola along with his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin.
Former Gabon president Ali Bongo exits country with family following detention
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Ali Bongo, the former president of Gabon who was ousted in a military coup in August 2023, has left the country for Angola along with his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin. Angola’s presidency confirmed their arrival in a statement posted on Facebook.
The relocation follows the recent transfer of Sylvia, 62, and Noureddin, 33, from prison to house arrest on May 9. Both had been detained shortly after the coup and accused of embezzlement and money laundering, according to Reuters.
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Ali Bongo, 66, was initially placed under house arrest following the coup but was later declared free to move. His allies disputed this, and he had not left Libreville until now. According to sources, the family departed Gabon shortly before midnight on Thursday.
The African Union, which suspended Gabon’s membership after the coup, readmitted the country on April 30. Its Peace and Security Council has called for the immediate release of Bongo’s family and for assurances that their rights and well-being will be respected.
New government takes shape
Brice Oligui Nguema, the general who led the coup, was sworn in earlier this month as president after winning an election with nearly 95% of the vote.
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Nguema’s electoral win marks the beginning of a seven-year term under Gabon’s new constitution, ratified in November 2024, which allows for a single renewal.
Early this month, he appointed two vice presidents to help govern the oil-rich Central African nation, just two days after taking the oath of office.
