Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, the former first lady of Gabon, was imprisoned on Wednesday evening. This arrest follows her indictment on September 28 for “money laundering” in connection with the coup that overthrew her husband, Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Aged 60, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba had been kept under house arrest in Libreville since the putsch of August 30, where the military accused her entourage of having rigged the re-election of Ali Bongo Ondimba. Suspicions also fell on Sylvia Bongo Ondimba who allegedly “manipulated” her husband and massively embezzled public funds, according to the military authorities.
His son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, has also been incarcerated since the coup, charged with corruption and embezzlement of public funds. The Bongo family is believed to have de facto governed the country for five years, with Sylvia Bongo Ondimba as leader.
The political situation in Gabon remains tense since the putsch. General Brice Oligui Nguema, leader of the coup, was proclaimed president of the transition and established a civilian transitional government and parliament. Despite the criticism, he enjoys significant support from the population and the political class, who see him as the one who “liberated” the country from the “Bongo dynasty”, in power for more than 55 years.
The situation of Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin illustrates the many political and legal issues facing Gabon. The line between justice and arbitrariness seems blurred, which provokes criticism from many observers. It remains to be seen how the affair will evolve and what the consequences will be for the Bongo family and for Gabon as a whole.
In conclusion, the incarceration of Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, former first lady of Gabon, raises many questions about the political future of the country. Accusations of money laundering and embezzlement of public funds place heavy burdens on the Bongo family and point to a long legal battle. It remains to be seen how Gabon will overcome this political crisis and what direction the country will take in the months to come.