Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, the wife of Gabon’s deposed president Ali Bongo was arrested on Wednesday in charges of embezzling public funds.
The ex first lady has been imprisoned on charges of money laundering, forgery, and falsification of records. This unfolded following her house arrest after late August coup that ousted the Bongo dynasty’s 55-year rule.
The coup leaders accused Sylvia Bongo of exploiting her husband, who suffered a severe stroke in 2018, and alleged that she, in collaboration with one of their sons, had mismanaged public funds. Their eldest son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, has also been charged with corruption and laundering of public funds, in collaboration with several former cabinet members and ex-ministers.
Her attorney, Francois Zimeray, denounced the arrest as an “arbitrary, illegal procedure” and said the former first lady was being held on suspicion of looting public monies.
“There is a difference between justice and arbitrary actions, between the law and revenge,” he said.
Sylvia Bongo had been secluded from her husband, elevating complaints from her French lawyers, who described her situation as a “hostage-taking.”
Her recent imprisonment is seen as part of efforts by the new government to address corruption and alleged misuse of public funds in the oil-rich nation.
Gabon’s evicted president Ali Bongo Freed by Military Coup Leaders and is free to travel abroad, the military junta said on 6 September. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of Central African States (Eccas) suspended Gabon’s membership during an extraordinary summit in Djibloho, Equatorial Guinea, and condemned the use of force to resolve political conflicts.
The new military ruler, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who took over after the coup, has pledged to combat corruption.
He has established a civilian government and appointed members of a new national assembly and senate for a transitional period, with elections scheduled for an undisclosed date.
Gen. Nguema has promised that there will be free and fair elections leading to the establishment of a new civilian government, but no timetable has yet been announced.
