Gabon's former First Lady, Sylvia Bongo, and her son, Noureddin Bongo, have been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Gabonese court. The verdict, delivered Tuesday night, followed a two-day trial conducted in their absence.
Conviction and Penalties
Both Sylvia Bongo and Noureddin Bongo were found guilty of embezzlement and corruption. In addition to their prison sentences, they each received a fine of 100 million CFA francs (approximately $177,000; £135,000). Noureddin Bongo was also ordered to pay an additional 1.2 trillion CFA francs (approximately $2.1 billion; £1.6 billion) in compensation for financial damages incurred by the Gabonese state.
The accusations centered on exploiting the condition of former President Ali Bongo, who suffered a stroke in 2018, to manage Gabon for their personal financial gain. Both individuals had previously denied these charges, labeling the proceedings as "a legal farce."
Context of the Trial
This trial follows the August 2023 coup d'état that removed Ali Bongo from power. The coup was led by Brice Oligui Nguema, who has since assumed the presidency.
- Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo were detained in Gabon for 20 months after the military takeover.
- They were released in May and permitted to travel to London for medical reasons.
- Former President Ali Bongo is not currently facing prosecution and was released from house arrest following the coup.
- Gabonese state prosecutor Eddy Minang stated surprise at their absence when the trial commenced.
The trial for nine other co-accused individuals, identified as former allies of the Bongo family, is scheduled to continue until Friday.
Historical Background
The Bongo family governed Gabon for over fifty years. Ali Bongo's 14-year presidency succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for 42 years. Despite Gabon's status as an oil-rich nation, approximately one-third of its population lives below the poverty line, according to United Nations data. The family has consistently denied allegations of amassing wealth at the country's expense.