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Former first lady and president's son convicted in absentia
A Gabonese court sentenced Sylvia Bongo, the former first lady, and her son Noureddin Bongo to 20 years in prison on Tuesday after a two-day trial found them guilty of embezzlement and corruption. Neither defendant attended the proceedings, which concluded far sooner than the expected Friday adjournment.
The court also imposed fines of 100 million CFA francs ($177,000; £135,000) on each, while Noureddin was ordered to pay an additional 1.2 trillion CFA francs ($2.1 billion; £1.6 billion) to compensate for alleged financial damages inflicted on the Gabonese state. Prosecutors accused the pair of exploiting Ali Bongo's 2018 stroke to enrich themselves while effectively controlling the government.
Swift trial raises questions of political motivation
The trial's rapid conclusion-just 48 hours after opening-surprised observers, given its initial schedule. Noureddin Bongo dismissed the verdict as a "rubber-stamping exercise," claiming the outcome was "predetermined" in President Brice Oligui Nguema's office. "It's disappointing that guilt was declared without any evidence," he stated in a response shared with media outlets.
Both defendants had previously labeled the trial a "legal farce" and denied all charges. Their absence drew criticism from state prosecutor Eddy Minang, who expressed surprise at their non-appearance when proceedings began on Monday. Nine co-accused, former Bongo allies, remained in court as their own trials continue.
Background: A family's five-decade rule
The Bongo family dominated Gabon for over 50 years. Ali Bongo, ousted in an August 2023 coup led by Nguema, had ruled for 14 years after succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who held power for 42 years. The family has long faced accusations of siphoning public wealth-allegations they deny-while Gabon's oil riches failed to lift a third of its population out of poverty, per UN data.
After the coup, Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo spent 20 months in detention before their May 2024 release on medical grounds, allowing them to leave for London. They later filed a torture complaint in France against Gabonese authorities, who rejected the claims. Ali Bongo, the deposed president, was released from house arrest earlier this year but faces no prosecution.
Allegations of systemic corruption
Prosecutors argued that Noureddin Bongo, as General Coordinator of Presidential Affairs, used his position to embezzle billions. He was additionally accused of forgery, allegedly deploying his father's signature and seal to divert state funds. Noureddin has denied all wrongdoing.
The case underscores Gabon's struggle with governance under the Bongo dynasty, where critics claim elite enrichment came at the expense of public welfare. Despite its oil wealth, poverty remains endemic, with the UN reporting that roughly 33% of Gabonese live below the poverty line.
"This was never about justice. The verdict was written in [Nguema's] office months ago."
Noureddin Bongo, in a statement to media
Next steps
The trials of the nine co-accused will proceed, though no timeline has been set. Legal experts note the convictions could face appeals, while the Bongos' French torture case remains pending. Gabon's government has not commented on potential extradition requests.
