On May 9, 2025, Sylvia Bongo, wife of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, and their son, Nourredin Bongo Valentin, were transferred from prison to house arrest in Libreville. This move followed over 20 months of detention after the August 2023 military coup that ousted the Bongo family from power. The transfer came amid mounting international pressure, including from the African Union, which had previously suspended Gabon and called for the family’s release and assurances regarding their rights and health.
Sylvia Bongo faces serious charges, including money laundering, forgery, and document falsification. Her lawyer, François Zimeray, has described her detention as arbitrary and illegal . The family has declined public comment on the matter. Their transfer to house arrest follows a hunger strike that led to their hospitalization, highlighting concerns over their well-being.
The Bongo family’s wealth has been a subject of scrutiny. Investigations have revealed that over the years, they accumulated significant assets, including luxury properties in France and the United States, through offshore entities. These revelations have fueled allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the country’s resources.
In response to the coup, Ali Bongo announced his withdrawal from active politics, stating that his decision also applied to his family. He described his wife and son as “helpless scapegoats” and called for an end to the “violence and torture” against them. He emphasized the need for national healing and reconciliation.
The junta, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who assumed the presidency following the coup, has promised to return the country to civilian rule through free and fair elections. However, no specific timeline has been provided . The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the Gabonese authorities to ensure due process and uphold human rights standards.
