Gabon’s Former President Ali Bongo And Family Freed After Being Overthrown 2 Years Ago

Ali Bongo and his wife Sylvia Bongo

Source: Africa Publicity

The former President of Gabon, Ali Bongo, has been freed along with his family following his overthrow in a coup two years ago. Authorities in Gabon he and his family have left the country and are now in Angola.

In a statement released via social media, the Angolan Presidency confirmed that Bongo and his family had been released from detention were living together in Luanda.

Mr. Bongo and his family’s release follows a visit to Libreville, the capital of Gabon, by Angolan President João Lourenço who is currently the Chairperson of the African Union (AU).

During his visit, Lourenço held talks with Gabonese President, Brice Oligui Nguema – the former general who led the coup against Bongo before being elected in Gabon’s Presidential elections in April 2025.

Ali Bongo ruled Gabon for 14 years after taking over from his late father, Omar Bongo who ruled Gabon for over 40 years. Following his overthrow in 2023, he was placed under house arrest where he reportedly remained, although Gabonese authorities said he was free to move about as he wished.

His wife Sylvia and son, Noureddin Bongo were detained in prison and then released recently following a request by their family lawyer, according to Gabonese prosecutor Eddy Minang.

Commenting on the release of Mr. Bongo and his family, Gabon’s opposition leader, Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze says President Nguema had bowed “to international demands after what everyone understood to be an abuse of power.”