By Abiola Olawale
Sacked Gabon’s president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, along with his wife Sylvia Bongo and son Noureddin Bongo, have been released from detention and have all arrived in Luanda, Angola, according to a statement from the Angolan presidency.
The Angolan presidency confirmed on Friday that the Bongo family, previously under house arrest in Libreville, Gabon, have been freed and are currently in Luanda.
The statement, posted on the presidency’s official social media, noted, “The Bongo family has been released and has just arrived in Luanda.”
The New Diplomat reports that Bongo, who ruled Gabon from 2009 until his ousting in 2023, was placed under house arrest following the coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema. His wife and son were equally detained following accusations of embezzlement and money laundering.
The release of Bongo’s family was facilitated through negotiations between Angolan President João Lourenço, acting as the African Union (AU) chairperson, and Gabon’s new leader, Brice Oligui Nguema.
The AU had previously called for the release of Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo, citing concerns over their rights and health.
Meanwhile, on Friday Angola’s presidency confirmed the release of Bongo’s family. This comes after the inauguration of Nguema as the president of Gabon, marking the end of a 19-month military transition, with promises of democratic renewal.
Recall that Nguema consolidated power after winning the presidential election in April 2025 with over 90% of the vote.
