Former Gabonese president Ali Bongo, who was ousted in a coup in August 2023, has flown to Angola with his wife and son, Angola’s presidency has said in a social media post.
The former president,66, was allowed to leave the country early Friday just weeks after African Union officials called for the release of his wife Sylvia Bongo,62, and son Noureddin, 33, who were taken into custody shortly after the August 2023 coup.
They were accused of crimes including embezzlement and money laundering.
“Following the initiatives made by the President of the Republic of Angola and President-in-Office of the African Union, Joao Lourenco, with President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, the Bongo family has been released and has just arrived in Luanda,” the Angolan presidency said.
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Bongo had ruled Gabon since 2009, after taking over from his father, Omar Bongo, who died after more than 40 years in office.
– Additional reporting by Reuters.
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