Esther Imonmion
Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the wife and son of former Gabonese president Ali Bongo Ondimba, are being tried in absentia on corruption allegations and multiple related charges.
The trial opened on Monday before a special criminal court in Libreville and will continue throughout the week. The two are among 13 defendants accused of misusing state resources and engaging in acts of embezzlement and corruption during their time at the Gabonese presidency.
In total, the defendants face 12 charges, including embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, active corruption, and forgery of official documents. The corruption allegations have drawn widespread attention, marking one of the most significant cases since the military coup that toppled Ali Bongo in August 2023, ending the Bongo family’s 55-year rule in Gabon.
Sylvia Bongo and her son were detained for about 20 months following the coup before their release in May 2025. Both now live in exile in London, refusing to appear in court. They have denied all accusations and dismissed the case as a politically motivated show trial based on false corruption allegations.
“The treatment of our family has been criminal and cruel, and we will fight to the end to ensure that the truth is known and justice is done,” the pair said in a July 2025 statement.
Noureddin Bongo has recently drawn attention on social media by posting hidden camera footage that he claims exposes his mistreatment under President Brice Oligui Nguema’s administration.
The Gabonese presidency has accused him of attempting to destabilise the country, while officials maintain that the proceedings are part of a broader effort to address corruption allegations that have long shadowed Gabon’s former ruling family.