Gabon’s ousted President Ali Bongo has flown to Angola with his family, including his wife Sylvia Bongo and son Noureddin Bongo, after being released from detention. The family arrived in Luanda, Angola’s capital, following initiatives made by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who is also the President-in-Office of the African Union.
According to the Angolan presidency, “Following the initiatives made by the President of the Republic of Angola and President-in-Office of the African Union, Joao Lourenco, with President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, the Bongo family has been released and has just arrived in Luanda.” This development comes after African Union officials called for the release of Bongo’s family, citing concerns over their health and rights.
Ali Bongo, 66, was ousted in a coup in August 2023 and had been under house arrest, while his wife and son were initially held in prison and later transferred to house arrest on May 9. Their supporters had alleged that they were tortured in custody, which was denied by coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema, now serving as president.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council had readmitted Gabon in a meeting on April 30, after suspending the country’s membership following the coup. The council also called for the immediate release of Ali Bongo’s family and guarantees that their rights and health would be protected .