Gabon’s Ali Bongo Exit From Politics, Begs For Family’s Release

Former Gabonese president Ali Bongo Ondimba, ousted in a military coup last year, has declared his retirement from political life and appealed for leniency towards his imprisoned wife and son, who he claims are enduring violence and torture.

Bongo, who ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for 14 years before being deposed in August last year, was removed from office by military leaders just after being declared the victor of a controversial presidential election. His family had governed Gabon for 55 years.

Since his ousting, the 65-year-old has resided at his private estate in Libreville, the nation’s capital. According to the government, Bongo is free to leave the country, but he remains under strict surveillance.

In a statement shared with the media late Wednesday, Bongo said, “I would like to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition,” Bongo said in a message sent to the media overnight Wednesday to Thursday.

“I would never wish to constitute a risk of threat, unrest and destabilisation for Gabon,” he added.

Bongo also made a public plea for “peace, and an end to the violence and torture against my family,” specifically calling for the release of his wife Sylvia, 61, and their eldest son Noureddin, 32, both of whom are imprisoned over embezzlement charges in Libreville’s central prison. Their lawyers have criticised the conditions of their detention.

Bongo acknowledged “failings” during his tenure, stating that he, “accepts sole responsibility, both on a social level and with regard to the functioning of our institutions.” Despite the personal plea, he urged Gabon to avoid acts of vengeance.

Noureddin faces accusations of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, while Sylvia is charged with money laundering, forgery, and concealment. Gabon’s current military government, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, has accused them of manipulating the former leader, particularly after Bongo suffered a debilitating stroke in 2018.

Lawyers for the Bongo family filed a complaint in France earlier this year, alleging torture and unlawful detention. The military government has dismissed these allegations as “slanderous.”

In his message, Bongo said he remains under daily surveillance and is restricted in his movements.