![Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba, left, and Gabon First Lady Sylvia Bongo Ondimba. second left, are seen at the Nzang Ayong stadium in Libreville on July 10, 2023 [Steeve Jordan/AFP]](https://titapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gabon.webp)
In a significant development following the recent coup that toppled Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba, his wife, Sylvia Bongo Valentin, has been charged with “money laundering” and other offenses, according to the public prosecutor. Sylvia Bongo Valentin has been under house arrest in the capital city since her husband’s overthrow on August 30, shortly after being declared the winner of a presidential election. This comes after her eldest son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, was already charged with corruption.
The investigating judge formally charged the former first lady on Thursday, as announced by prosecutor Andre Patrick Roponat on state TV channels on Friday. The house arrest order for Sylvia Bongo Valentin has also been upheld, Roponat confirmed.
Earlier this month, one of her lawyers had expressed concerns that she was being held “incommunicado outside any legal framework.”
Meanwhile, Noureddin Bongo, along with several former cabinet members and two ex-ministers, has already faced charges of corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
Ali Bongo assumed power in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar, who had ruled Gabon for nearly 42 years. However, his presidency came to an end this August after the presidential election, which was marred by allegations of fraud from the opposition and military coup leaders. The coup leaders have also accused Ali Bongo’s government of widespread corruption and poor governance.
The charges against Sylvia Bongo Valentin mark a significant development in the aftermath of the political upheaval in Gabon. The legal proceedings against the former first lady and her son reflect the authorities’ efforts to address allegations of corruption and financial impropriety within the previous administration.
Sources: News Agencies