Title: Pascaline Bongo summoned for a resounding corruption trial: the underside of an affair that is shaking Gabon
Introduction :
Omar Bongo’s daughter, Pascaline Bongo, finds herself at the heart of a resounding corruption scandal. According to information from the French newspaper Libération, she is summoned for a trial in Paris at the end of January, accused of having received several million euros from the French company Egis, in exchange for her influence in obtaining a public contract in Gabon. This affair highlights the questionable practices that can surround international contracts, and raises questions about the responsibility of political actors in such actions.
The context of the case:
The case began in 2019, when investigators from the French national financial prosecutor’s office searched a Parisian law firm as part of the ill-gotten gains affair. That’s when they got their hands on compromising documents linking the Egis group to Pascaline Bongo. According to information from Libération, Egis would have promised Pascaline Bongo the sum of 8 million euros, in order to obtain a consulting contract for the creation of the National Agency for Major Works in Gabon. In exchange for this sum, Pascaline Bongo would have created a company in Libreville, with the aim of benefiting from a retrocession of part of the fees linked to the contract.
The actors involved:
In addition to Pascaline Bongo, six other people, individuals and legal entities, are also being prosecuted in this corruption case. Among them are Franck Ping, the son of her former partner Jean Ping, as well as Danyèle Palazo-Gauthier, presented as her “inseparable advisor”. The evidence gathered by the magistrates was considered sufficiently convincing to refer it to court. Pascaline Bongo’s lawyer, Corinne Dreyfus-Schmidt, disputes these accusations and is surprised at the prosecution of old facts. It should be noted that Pascaline Bongo has already been indicted since July 2022 in the ill-gotten gains affair, alongside several of her brothers and sisters.
The political repercussions:
At 67, Pascaline Bongo no longer holds an official political position. However, his involvement in this corruption affair sheds harsh light on the questionable practices that may exist within the Gabonese political system. There are also rumors of his alleged involvement in General Oligui Nguema’s coup, testifying to his influence and weight in the country’s political affairs, despite his lack of official role. This affair thus raises crucial questions about governance and political transparency in Gabon.
Conclusion :
The trial of Pascaline Bongo for corruption with the Egis group highlights the dubious mechanisms that can surround international contracts. This case highlights the alleged involvement of political actors in illicit practices, endangering the credibility of institutions and the trust of citizens. It also reminds us of the importance of the fight against corruption and the need to ensure transparent and ethical political governance. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, not only by the Gabonese people, but also by international public opinion.