In Gabon, the hunt continues for the former leaders of the fallen regime. After the incarceration of Noureddin Bongo, son of Ali Bongo, last week, three other influential figures were placed under arrest warrant at the Libreville central prison. Among them, we find the former Minister of Oil, a former Minister of Public Works and an economic operator.
Vincent de Paul Massassa, the former Minister of Oil, was already in the sights of the authorities since the coup d’état of August 30, 2023. In the exercise of his functions for four years, he is accused of embezzlement of public funds , embezzlement and money laundering. The evidence accumulated against him appears to be strong, leaving little doubt as to his responsibility for these wrongdoings.
As for Léon Armel Bounda Balondzi, former Minister of Public Works, he left office almost a year before the putsch. However, his role as chairman of the board of directors of the autonomous national road maintenance fund seems to have been singled out by investigators. He is accused of corruption as well as criminal association. Sources close to the case reveal that he would have benefited from gift cars, testifying to his involvement in illegal practices.
Finally, Abdoul Houssein Moussavou, an economic operator, was also imprisoned. He is being prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, non-performance of a public contract and money laundering. What attracts attention in his case is the exorbitant amount he allegedly requested for the construction of the Franceville market. While his competitors proposed a cost of around 900 million CFA francs (around 1.3 million euros), he would have obtained the project for an amount of 4 billion CFA francs (around 6 million euros). This bidding war raises questions about the unscrupulous practices that may have facilitated obtaining this contract.
These new incarcerations underline the desire of the Gabonese authorities to fight against the corruption and abuse of power which have plagued the country. This is a strong message sent to all those who have taken advantage of their position to enrich themselves illegally. However, it is important to emphasize that so far the proceedings initiated remain accusations and that the presumption of innocence must be respected.
It is essential to continue these investigations and ensure that legal proceedings are conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The Gabonese people expect concrete results and real change in the fight against corruption, to rebuild a country on healthy and equitable foundations. It’s a long way to go, but these first arrests show that the political will is there. Now we must see the fight through to the end and ensure that no one is above the law.