Former Gabon first lady jailed
The wife of the ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, has been jailed. Her lawyer made the announcement on Thursday October 12, 2023.
According to Le Monde, her lawyer, Francois Zimeray, condemned the arrest stating that it is “arbitrary…illegal procedure”.
“There is a difference between justice and arbitrary actions, between the law and revenge,” the lawyer is quoted to have said.
The 60-year-old Sylvia Bongo has been under house arrest since the coup that ousted her husband from power. She was accused and charged on September 28 on money laundering, forgery and falsification of records charges.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, the country’s military ruler, is said to have vowed to make sure that Gabon’s resources are used to benefit the citizens, rather than squandered by corrupt officials.
