Gabon former president, Ali Bongo, has announced his permanent withdrawal from politics, a year after being ousted in a military coup. In a letter addressed to the people of Gabon, Bongo, 65, declared his decision to step away from public life, stating, ‘I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition.’
Bongo, who led the oil-rich Central African nation from 2009, following the 41-year rule of his father, is now asking the military rulers to release his wife, Sylvia, and son, Noureddin, both of whom are detained on corruption charges. The former president’s plea for their freedom raises questions about whether his political exit is linked to negotiations with the current military leadership, or if it is an attempt to secure his family’s release by agreeing to step aside.
Political downfall
Ali Bongo’s fall from power came in August 2023 when the Gabonese military, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, overthrew him shortly after he was declared the winner of a disputed election. The election, which the opposition claimed was fraudulent, took place under the shadow of Bongo’s long recovery from a stroke in 2018, which raised concerns about his ability to lead.
Bongo’s family had ruled Gabon for more than five decades, with close ties to France, the country’s former colonial ruler. His tenure, like that of his father, was marred by accusations of corruption and mismanagement of the nation’s vast oil wealth. While Gabon is one of Africa’s leading oil producers, nearly a third of its population lives in poverty, highlighting the stark disparity between the nation’s wealth and the living conditions of its people.
After the coup, Bongo was placed under house arrest but was released by the military a week later. Despite this, he has remained in the capital, Libreville, under what he describes as restricted conditions. In his letter, Bongo revealed that his movements are still controlled by the military, adding, “My visits depend on the authorisation of the military. Isolated from the outside world without communications, without news of my family.”
Family detentions and allegations
The former president’s letter also focuses on his detained wife and son, who are being held on corruption charges. Sylvia Bongo, who holds French nationality, faces allegations of money laundering and forgery, while Noureddin is accused of embezzling public funds. Bongo described them both as ‘helpless scapegoats,’ arguing that their imprisonment is unjust and calling for their immediate release.
Bongo’s plea comes amid claims of mistreatment. He urged the military authorities to end the ‘violence and torture’ he says are being committed against his family members, although the junta has previously denied such accusations.
Sylvia Bongo’s lawyer, François Zimeray, has previously condemned her detention, calling it ‘arbitrary and illegal,’ but she has not made any public statements about the charges against her.
Legacy and reflection
Bongo’s retirement from politics is a significant development in Gabon’s political landscape. The Bongo family’s five-decade hold on power has long been a point of contention, with critics accusing them of enriching themselves while neglecting the needs of the Gabonese people. In his letter, Bongo acknowledged the shortcomings of his presidency, admitting, ‘I understand that despite the achievements made under my mandates, too many Gabonese people are still suffering, and this remains my greatest regret.’
His appeal for reconciliation comes as Gabon faces an uncertain future under military rule. General Nguema, the leader of the coup, has pledged to hold free and fair elections, which he says will lead to the return of civilian governance. However, there is no clarity on whether Nguema himself intends to run for president in the planned elections. The general’s approach toward the deposed president has so far been relatively conciliatory, allowing Bongo the option to travel abroad and refraining from imposing further sanctions on him.
While Bongo remains in Libreville, his decision to renounce any political ambitions suggests he has accepted the end of his political career. In his letter, Bongo implored Gabon’s leaders and citizens to ‘renounce vengeance’ and called for ‘national reconciliation’ as the country navigates its transition. ‘I call on my country, its leaders, and my fellow citizens to write its next history with harmony and humanity,’ Bongo said, promising to refrain from interfering in Gabon’s political affairs.
Looking ahead
The military coup in Gabon was met with mixed reactions both at home and abroad. While many Gabonese citizens celebrated the fall of the Bongo dynasty, regional and international bodies, including the African Union and France, condemned the takeover. Gabon was subsequently suspended from the Commonwealth as a consequence of the coup, and the nation’s political future remains unclear as it awaits a promised return to civilian rule.
General Nguema has yet to outline a detailed timeline for the elections but has insisted that the transition process will be transparent and inclusive. Whether the military intends to hand power back to civilian authorities or keep a firm grip on the country remains to be seen.
Ali Bongo’s decision to retire from politics brings an end to one of Africa’s longest-running political dynasties. As the nation moves towards a new chapter, the focus now shifts to the military rulers and their plans for the future of Gabon. For many, the hope is that this period of transition will lead to a more democratic and equitable system of governance that addresses the deep-rooted challenges faced by the people of Gabon.
Bongo’s final words of caution to his countrymen, urging unity and harmony, may resonate as Gabon seeks to heal from years of political turmoil and inequality. Whether the military will heed that call, and how Bongo’s legacy will be remembered, remains to be seen.
