Former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, who was removed from power in a military coup in August 2023, has flown to Angola with his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin Bongo, according to a statement from Angola’s presidency posted on Facebook.
The move follows a decision last week to transfer Sylvia, 62, and Noureddin, 33, from prison to house arrest. The pair had been detained shortly after the coup on charges including embezzlement and money laundering.
Ali Bongo, 66, was initially placed under house arrest after the coup but was later declared free to move. However, his supporters disputed this, noting that he had remained in Libreville, Gabon’s capital, since the military takeover.
Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the Bongo family departed Gabon shortly before midnight on Thursday. According to one source, Sylvia and Noureddin had most recently been held in basement detention cells within the presidential palace in Libreville before their transfer.
Allegations of mistreatment in custody have surfaced from the family’s supporters, who claim Sylvia and Noureddin were tortured. These claims have been denied by General Brice Oligui Nguema, the coup leader who now serves as Gabon’s transitional president.
In April, the African Union called for the release of Sylvia and Noureddin, underscoring ongoing international scrutiny of the post-coup situation in Gabon.
