The trial of former Gabonese first lady Sylvia Bongo and her son Noureddin Bongo Valentin began Monday in Libreville, yet neither appeared in court.
Both face accusations of misappropriating millions from state coffers, forming part of a larger case involving a dozen defendants, most of whom are closely linked to the Bongo family.
Court records indicate that nine of the 12 accused were present for the opening session. Prosecutors allege that Sylvia, 62, and her son, 33, exploited the period after former President Ali Bongo suffered a major stroke in 2018, manipulating presidential powers to funnel public funds into their personal accounts.
Ali Bongo, ousted in Gabon’s 2023 military coup that ended the Bongo family’s more than 50-year reign, is not facing charges in the case.
Gabonese state prosecutor Eddy Minang expressed surprise at their absence, saying, “We are surprised not to see them this morning.”
Reports suggest the mother and son relocated to London in May after being granted bail for medical reasons. In comments to AFP last week, Noureddin explained why they would not return.
“We know full well that if we go back, we will suffer things far worse than what we have already endured,” he said.
“We are not opposed to the idea of being held accountable for so-called acts we may have committed. But only if it is before an independent and genuine court of law, not one that is clearly under the orders of the executive branch in Gabon.”
The Bongos, who also hold French nationality, filed a legal complaint in France last year, accusing Gabonese authorities of trying to influence judicial proceedings against them. They also claimed to have been tortured during their 20-month detention following the August 2023 coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema.
General Oligui has denied all allegations of mistreatment and reiterated the government’s commitment to a fair trial for Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo.
