Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo Quits Politics, Demands Release Of Family Members

Former Gabonese President Ali Bongo has officially announced his retirement from partisan politics, a year after being ousted from power in a military coup.

In a letter addressed to the Gabonese people, Bongo declared his decision to step away from political life and give up any future political aspiration.

“I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition,” Bongo wrote, signaling the end of his involvement in the country’s political arena.

The 65-year-old also used the opportunity to call for the release of his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin, both of whom are currently detained and awaiting trial on corruption charges. Their arrest came in the wake of the coup that removed Bongo from office. His plea came as questions linger about whether he is negotiating with the military in an effort to secure their freedom by abandoning his political career.

Bongo’s health has been a major talking point in Gabonese politics since he suffered a stroke in 2018. The health issue played a significant role in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, which he won amid opposition claims of widespread fraud. It was shortly after the disputed election that the military, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, took control of the oil-rich country.

The coup, although condemned by regional bodies and France—Gabon’s former colonial ruler—was celebrated domestically, as many Gabonese citizens grew frustrated with the Bongo family’s long-standing grip on power. Ali Bongo himself had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for over four decades.

While Bongo has remained in the capital, Libreville, since his release from house arrest last year, he revealed in his letter that his movements were still restricted by the military. “My visits depend on the authorisation of the military. Isolated from the outside world without communications, without news of my family,” he wrote, expressing frustration over continued surveillance on his life.

The former president also took the opportunity to highlight the plight of his wife and son, both of whom face serious charges. His wife, Sylvia Bongo, is accused of money laundering, forgery, and document falsification, charges she has yet to comment on publicly. Her lawyer, Francois Zimeray, has previously described her detention as arbitrary and illegal.

Bongo described his family as “helpless scapegoats” and urged the junta to end the “violence and torture” against them. He argued that their release would be a step toward healing the nation. “My decision to quit active politics also applies to them,” he added, reaffirming his belief that his family’s continued detention is unjust.

Bongo’s leadership has been marred by allegations that his family enriched themselves while Gabon’s broader population suffered. Although Gabon is an oil-rich nation, the United Nations estimates that one-third of its 2.4 million citizens live below the poverty line. Bongo acknowledged the shortcomings of his presidency but expressed regret that his efforts failed to improve the lives of many Gabonese people.

“I understand that despite the achievements made under my mandates, too many Gabonese people are still suffering and this remains my greatest regret,” he said, adding that he hoped the military regime would alleviate the country’s hardships and foster national reconciliation.

Despite the controversies, General Nguema has so far taken a relatively conciliatory approach toward Bongo, stating that he is free to travel abroad if he wishes. However, in his letter, Bongo stressed that he would never “pose any threat or trouble during the country’s transition.”

Since the coup, General Nguema has promised free and fair elections, with plans to transition back to a civilian government. However, there was no word yet on whether Nguema himself will run in the upcoming polls, which are expected to take place next year.

Bongo called on the nation to embrace peace and reconciliation, urging leaders and citizens alike to renounce vengeance. “I call on my country, its leaders and my fellow citizens to renounce vengeance and to write its next history with harmony and humanity,” he said.

Whether or not Bongo’s exit from politics will help secure his family’s release remains to be seen, as the military authorities have yet to comment on his plea. However, they have previously denied allegations of torture against his detained family members.

In the meantime, Gabon has remained in a state of transition, with many watching to see how the country will navigate this new chapter under military leadership.