Gabon’s Deposed First Lady Charged with Money Laundering and Other Offences Amid House Arrest

Background

Sylvia Bongo Valentin, the wife of Gabon’s deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba, has been charged with money laundering and other offences. Her husband was overthrown on August 30, moments after being proclaimed the winner in a presidential election.

Charges and House Arrest

The investigating judge charged Sylvia Bongo Valentin on Thursday, according to prosecutor Andre Patrick Roponat’s announcement on state TV channels on Friday. The court also upheld her house arrest order. One of her lawyers claimed earlier this month that she was being kept “incommunicado outside any legal framework”.

Other Charges and Arrests

Sylvia Bongo Valentin’s eldest son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, has already been charged with corruption and embezzling public funds, alongside several former cabinet members and two ex-ministers.

Ali Bongo’s Rule and Downfall

Ali Bongo took over as president in 2009 after the death of his father Omar, who had ruled Gabon for nearly 42 years. Now 64, Ali Bongo was deposed this August following the presidential election, which was branded a fraud by the opposition and the military coup leaders.

Reasons for Downfall

The military coup leaders have also accused Ali Bongo’s government of widespread corruption and bad governance, leading to his downfall.

Conclusion

Sylvia Bongo Valentin remains under house arrest as she faces charges of money laundering and other offences. Her son Noureddin has already been charged with corruption and embezzling public funds. The investigation into the allegations against Ali Bongo’s government continues.