Ali Bongo, the former president of Gabon ousted in a 2023 coup, has flown to Angola with his wife and son, who were recently transferred from prison to house arrest, Angola’s presidency confirmed on Thursday.
Bongo, 66, was initially placed under house arrest after the coup, but his supporters have claimed he was restricted in his movements despite official statements saying he was free to travel. His family, including his wife Sylvia, 62, and son Noureddin, 33, were detained after the coup and accused of crimes such as embezzlement and money laundering. They were transferred to house arrest on May 9, having previously been held in the basement of the presidential palace in Libreville.
The African Union had called for their release in April, with concerns over their health and rights. Gabon’s new president, Brice Oligui Nguema, who assumed office this month following a heavily contested election, has denied reports of abuse.
Bongo ruled Gabon from 2009 until his ousting, succeeding his father, who had been in power for over 40 years.
