Gabon Court Jails Former First Lady and Son for 20 Years Over Corruption
A court in Gabon has sentenced former first lady Sylvia Bongo and her son, Noureddin Bongo, to 20 years in prison. The ruling came after a swift two-day trial that concluded on Tuesday night.
Both were found guilty of embezzlement and corruption, although they were not present at the hearing. The verdict marks one of the highest-profile corruption convictions in Gabon’s recent history.
Heavy Fines and Financial Penalties
In addition to prison time, the court fined the pair 100 million CFA francs ($177,000; £135,000) each. Noureddin was also ordered to pay 1.2 trillion CFA francs ($2.1 billion; £1.6 billion) in compensation for financial losses suffered by the Gabonese state.
According to prosecutors, Sylvia and Noureddin took advantage of former President Ali Bongo’s poor health after he suffered a stroke in 2018. They allegedly used his weakened condition to control government affairs and enrich themselves.
Family Denies Allegations
Both Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo denied the charges before the trial. They called the proceedings “a legal farce” and claimed they were being targeted for political reasons.
The sentencing follows the removal of Ali Bongo from power in a military coup last year, ending more than 55 years of Bongo family rule. The verdict reflects the new government’s push to combat corruption and distance itself from the old regime.
As a result, the case has become a major test of Gabon’s promise of transparency and accountability under its new leadership.
