Sylvia Bongo Former Gabonese First Lady Faces Money Laundering Charges Following Political Turmoil.
Sylvia Bongo Valentin, the wife of Gabon’s ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, has been formally charged with “money laundering” and other related offenses, announced the public prosecutor on Friday. This development comes a month after a coup d’état led to the overthrow of her husband.
Since her husband’s removal from power on August 30, shortly after being declared the victor in a presidential election, Sylvia Bongo Valentin has been placed under house arrest in the capital city. Her eldest son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, has already faced charges of corruption in connection with the political turmoil.
Prosecutor Andre Patrick Roponat revealed that an investigating judge officially charged the former first lady on Thursday. Additionally, her house arrest has been extended, as confirmed by Roponat during an announcement broadcast on state television channels.
Earlier this month, one of Sylvia Bongo Valentin’s legal representatives had expressed concerns about her being held “incommunicado outside any legal framework.” These concerns have raised questions about the transparency of her legal proceedings.
Noureddin Bongo, the son of the former president, had already faced allegations of corruption and embezzlement of public funds, along with several former cabinet members and two ex-ministers.
Ali Bongo succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, in 2009 after nearly four decades of his father’s rule. Ali Bongo, who is now 64 years old, remained in power until the events of this August, which saw his removal from office following a disputed presidential election.
The election’s outcome was widely contested by the opposition, and the leaders of the military coup have accused Ali Bongo’s government of widespread corruption and poor governance.
As the legal proceedings against Sylvia Bongo Valentin progress, the political landscape of Gabon remains tumultuous, and the future of the country remains uncertain. Source and visit thedailycourierng news