Former Gabonese first lady Sylvia Bongo, son absent as corruption trial opens in Libreville
Former First Lady Sylvia Bongo and her son Noureddin face graft charges in Gabon but remain in London, claiming the trial is politically driven.
The graft trial of former Gabonese first lady Sylvia Bongo, 62, and her son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, began Monday in Libreville, but the high-profile defendants were absent.
Reports indicate that only nine of the 12 defendants—all associates of the Bongos—attended the trial. The mother and son face accusations of embezzling millions in state funds.
More To Read
Prosecutors allege that Sylvia and her son, along with other associates, exploited former President Ali Bongo's weakened state and influence to manipulate the presidency for personal gain. They are said to have taken advantage of the period following his serious stroke in 2018 to divert state resources for their enrichment.
Ali Bongo was eventually ousted in Gabon’s 2023 military coup, which ended the Bongo family’s decades-long rule over the oil-rich central African nation—a tenure lasting more than 50 years. Unlike his wife and son, Ali is not facing corruption charges.
“We are surprised not to see them this morning,” Gabonese state prosecutor Eddy Minang told the court.
No return
Sylvia and Noureddin reportedly left Gabon for London in May after being granted conditional bail, officially on medical grounds. Speaking to AFP last week, Noureddin, 33, said they would not return for the trial.
“We know full well that if we go back, we will suffer things far worse than what we have already endured,” he said.
“We are not opposed to the idea of being held accountable for so-called acts we may have committed. But only if it is before an independent and genuine court of law, not one that is clearly under the orders of the executive branch in Gabon.”
Last year, the Bongos filed a lawsuit in France, where they hold citizenship, claiming Gabonese authorities sought to influence the courts against them.
They also alleged that they were tortured during the 20 months they spent in detention following the August 2023 coup that brought General Brice Oligui Nguema to power.
Oligui has consistently denied these allegations, promising a free and fair trial for the Bongos.
Top Stories Today
Reader Comments
Trending
