Gabon’s former First Lady, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, has been charged with money laundering and corruption, according to the public prosecutor in Libreville, the capital city. She has been placed under house arrest pending further investigation. These charges also include accusations of manipulating her husband, Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was the ousted president, along with their son, Noureddine Bongo.
The news of Sylvia Bongo’s charges has stirred reactions among the residents of Libreville. Many believe that she deserves to face the consequences of her actions, as they feel she played a role in the destruction of their country. Some even suggest that her husband should also be questioned, as he brought her into power. The sentiment among the public is that justice must take its course, and all individuals responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable.
Residents expressed their disappointment in Sylvia Bongo’s lack of contribution to Gabon. They question the role of first ladies and struggle to see any positive impact she has had on their country.
These charges come in the wake of the arrest and imprisonment of Noureddine Bongo Valentin, Sylvia and Ali Bongo’s son, for corruption and embezzlement of public funds. Several former members of the presidential cabinet and two ex-ministers have also faced similar charges.
Sylvia Bongo’s appearance before the investigating judge resulted in her being charged with money laundering, concealment, forgery, and use of forgery. She has been placed under house arrest while the investigation continues.
The charges against Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin are part of a larger political landscape in Gabon. On the night of August 30, shortly after the announcement of Ali Bongo Ondimba’s re-election, the army intervened, claiming electoral fraud and putting an end to his regime. General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the coup, assumed the role of President of the Transition the next day.
This military intervention was widely hailed by the Gabonese population and political class, who viewed it as a liberation from the 55-year-long Bongo dynasty. Ali Bongo had succeeded his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled Gabon for over four decades.
While Ali Bongo was initially placed under house arrest during the coup, he was later declared free to move within the country. However, the military believed that he had been manipulated by his wife and son following a severe stroke in 2018. Ali Bongo chose to remain in Gabon, despite being allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment.
In the aftermath of the coup, Noureddine Bongo and his close associates were arrested, with significant amounts of money seized from their homes. Sylvia Bongo Valentin was also placed under house arrest but isolated from her husband, leading her French lawyers to denounce it as a hostage taking.
The investigation is ongoing, and the public prosecutor has warned of further arrests and charges. Gabon has long faced issues of corruption, with Transparency International ranking it 136th out of 180 countries for perception of corruption in 2022. The corruption charges against Sylvia Bongo and other individuals reflect the need to address this pervasive problem and ensure accountability for those involved.
As the case unfolds, questions remain about who truly governed Gabon during Ali Bongo’s illness, with General Oligui Nguema suggesting that Noureddine and Sylvia manipulated the president’s signature and made decisions on his behalf.
The prosecutors continue to investigate allegations of corruption, embezzlement, money laundering, criminal association, and falsification of the president’s signature. Those found guilty must face the consequences of their actions, as no one should be above the law.
