A special criminal court in Libreville, Gabon, convened this week for the trial of Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, wife of ousted President Ali Bongo, and their son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin. The charges against them include embezzlement of public funds and money laundering. However, both defendants refused to appear in court, citing concerns about the fairness of the proceedings.
The trial unfolds a year after a military coup ended the Bongo family’s over five-decade reign. Gabonese authorities are portraying the case as a pivotal moment for judicial independence, while the Bongo family views it as a politically motivated vendetta.
Noureddin Bongo, 33, currently in exile in London, stated to news outlets that he would not attend the hearings. He claimed that participation would “legitimize a justice system subservient to the executive branch,” describing the trial as a “judicial charade” orchestrated by the current regime of President General Brice Oligui Nguema.
Bongo’s lawyer, Gisele Eyoum-Becalle, also announced her non-attendance, deeming the case a “judicial manipulation.” She revealed that she had filed an appeal with the Court of Cassation against the referral decision, which she believes temporarily halts the proceedings.
Recently, Noureddin released videos accusing Gabonese authorities of pressuring his father to sign documents while in a fragile health state. In response, the Gabonese presidential spokesperson, Théophane Nzame-Nze Bioghe, asserted that “justice will take its course regardless of the propaganda.” He denied any pressure on the judges, accusing the Bongo family of attempting to “destabilize” the country through media leaks.
Sylvia and Noureddin were arrested following the August 2023 coup and spent approximately 20 months in prison before being released for health reasons in May. The trial promises to be a defining moment for Gabon’s political landscape. The outcome could significantly impact the country’s future trajectory.
