Former Gabonese President Ali Bongo has officially announced his retirement from partisan politics, a year after being ousted in a military coup.
In a letter to the Gabonese people, Bongo expressed his intention to step back from political life and renounce any future political ambitions. “I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition,” he stated, marking the end of his political involvement.
At 65, Bongo also called for the release of his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin, who are currently detained on corruption charges following the coup that removed him from power. His request raises questions about whether he is negotiating with the military for their release in exchange for his political exit.
Bongo’s health has been a significant topic in Gabonese politics since he suffered a stroke in 2018, a condition that influenced the 2023 presidential election, which he won amid accusations of fraud. Shortly after that disputed election, the military, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, seized control of the country.
The coup was met with condemnation from regional organizations and France—Gabon’s former colonial ruler—but was celebrated domestically as many citizens were frustrated with the Bongo family’s long rule. Ali Bongo had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for over 40 years.
Since his release from house arrest, Bongo has remained in Libreville but noted in his letter that his movements are still restricted by the military. “My visits depend on the authorisation of the military. I am isolated from the outside world, without communication or news of my family,” he wrote, expressing frustration over the ongoing surveillance.
He emphasized the dire situation of his wife and son, who face serious allegations. Sylvia Bongo is accused of money laundering, forgery, and document falsification, charges she has not publicly addressed. Her lawyer, Francois Zimeray, has previously described her detention as arbitrary and illegal.
Bongo referred to his family as “helpless scapegoats” and urged the junta to end the “violence and torture” against them, suggesting that their release would be a step toward national healing. He reiterated that his decision to withdraw from active politics also applies to them, expressing his belief that their detention is unjust.
His presidency has been marred by allegations of corruption, with claims that his family enriched themselves while many Gabonese lived in poverty. Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, the UN estimates that one-third of its 2.4 million citizens live below the poverty line. Bongo acknowledged the failures of his presidency, expressing regret that he could not improve the lives of many citizens. “I understand that despite my achievements, too many Gabonese are still suffering, and that is my greatest regret,” he said, hoping the military regime would alleviate the country’s hardships.
General Nguema has maintained a relatively conciliatory stance towards Bongo, stating he is free to travel abroad if he chooses. However, Bongo emphasized in his letter 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 and plans to return to a civilian government, though it remains unclear if he will run in the upcoming polls expected next year.
Bongo called for peace and reconciliation, urging leaders and citizens to renounce vengeance. “I call on my country, its leaders, and my fellow citizens to write the next chapter of our history with harmony and humanity,” he stated.
It remains to be seen whether Bongo’s withdrawal from politics will lead to his family’s release, as military authorities have yet to respond to his plea. They have previously denied allegations of torture against his detained family members. In the meantime, Gabon is navigating this transitional period under military leadership.