The trial of Sylvia Bongo, wife of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, and their eldest son Noureddin, along with 11 close associates, began on Monday, November 10, in Libreville before a special criminal court.
While Ali Bongo, overthrown in a coup on August 30, 2023, is not among the accused, his family and associates—dubbed the “Young Team”—face 12 charges ranging from embezzlement and money laundering to forgery, corruption, and criminal association. They are accused of exploiting their positions in the presidential Palace to seize control of public resources.
Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo are being tried in absentia, having left Gabon in May 2025 for London after the new president, Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema, allowed them to leave under the condition of maintaining a low profile.
They have publicly denounced the proceedings as a “show trial” and have released videos alleging political motivation, while Noureddin has consistently denied embezzling any funds. Prosecutor Eddy Minang affirmed that justice would be carried out “rigorously, without prejudice or special privileges,” with several witnesses, including former presidential staff, expected to testify.
Civil society groups in Gabon have expressed frustration over the Bongos’ absence, urging that those responsible face accountability. Ghislain Ngui Nze, representing the collective Les citoyens indignés, and Georges Mpaga of ROLBG, stressed that the former First Lady and her son must return to Gabon to answer for alleged financial crimes and human rights violations. Under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, international judicial cooperation could enable the repatriation of assets linked to their alleged offences.