Title: Brice Laccruche Alihanga: New freedom for a controversial man
Introduction :
On the night of Friday October 20, Brice Laccruche Alihanga, former chief of staff of ex-president Ali Bongo Ondimba, was released after four years in prison. Convicted in 2019 for embezzlement of public funds, forgery and use of forgery, Alihanga was considered Gabon’s strong man after Ali Bongo’s stroke in 2018. His conditional release sparked strong reactions in the country. In this article, we look back at the reasons for his conviction, his time in prison and his future plans.
The reasons for his disgrace:
In an interview with RFI, Brice Laccruche Alihanga revealed the reasons for his disgrace and his conviction. He claims to have opposed the galloping mismanagement of the former First Lady and her son, as well as their stated desire to take power in Gabon. In addition, he would have suggested on several occasions to Ali Bongo to withdraw from political life and to rest due to his state of health. These points of difference ultimately led to his sidelining and conviction.
The period in prison:
During his four years of detention, Brice Laccruche Alihanga experienced a deterioration in his health. His weight went from 106 kg to just 57 kg. Despite his failing health, he says he is enjoying his first hours of freedom with his family. He also denounces instrumentalized justice and fallacious reasons for his placement in total isolation.
Reactions to his release:
The release of Laccruche Alihanga provoked numerous reactions in Gabon. Some see him as a hero who dared to stand up to corruption and abuse of power, while others still consider him guilty of embezzlement of public funds. The next few weeks will be crucial for the former chief of staff, as he faces a new reality and uncertain future plans.
Future plans :
Brice Laccruche Alihanga remains discreet about his future plans. His current priority is to seek treatment and return to good health after his time in prison. He may consider pursuing professional or political activities, but for now he is focusing on his rehabilitation and his family.
Conclusion :
The release of Brice Laccruche Alihanga marks a turning point in the political history of Gabon. Controversial and convicted of embezzlement of public funds, Alihanga claims to have opposed corruption and abuse of power. His future plans remain uncertain, but his release is already sparking strong reactions in the country. The Laccruche Alihanga affair highlights the challenges of the fight against corruption and highlights the divisions within the Gabonese government.