Former Gabonese President Ali Bongo has left his native country and is now in Angola following his removal from political office through a coup in 2023.
The Angolan presidency confirmed his arrival in the capital, Luanda, where he has reunited with his wife, Sylvia, and son, Noureddin.
READ ALSO: Trump administration orders South African ambassador to leave U.S. by Friday
Sylvia and Noureddin were arrested in 2023 after Bongo was removed from power in a military coup. They were facing charges including embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, and forgery.
They were released from detention earlier this week and joined Bongo in Luanda.
Gabonese authorities say their release is temporary and based on medical reasons. The prosecutor, Eddy Minang, stated that legal proceedings against them are still ongoing.
Ali Bongo ruled Gabon for 14 years after taking over from his father, Omar Bongo, who led the country for more than 40 years.
After the coup in August 2023, Ali Bongo was placed under house arrest. Officials claimed he was free to move, but he remained largely out of public view until now.
READ ALSO: Trump’s criticism of South Africa isn’t just about white farmers; here’s what else is at play
Photos shared by the Angolan presidency show Bongo arriving in Luanda. A woman believed to be Sylvia Bongo was seen walking behind him at the airport.
Their release follows a visit by Angolan President João Lourenço to Gabon. Lourenço, who currently chairs the African Union, held talks with Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema, the former general who led the coup and later won the presidency through elections.
Opposition figures in Gabon say the release of the Bongo family members shows the current government gave in to international pressure. They have described their detention as an abuse of power.
Ali Bongo has condemned the treatment of his wife and son since their arrest. The government has denied any mistreatment. The Bongo family has long been accused of using state resources for personal gain. They have denied all corruption allegations.
Despite being rich in oil, about one-third of Gabon’s population lives in poverty. Last month, the African Union lifted Gabon’s suspension from the bloc.
READ ALSO: Creole Pope, Creole Saint? Pope Leo XIV and the Venerable Henriette Delille
The country had been suspended after the coup. The AU said it hopes Gabon’s return to the union will encourage other countries under military rule to move toward constitutional governance.
