Ousted President of Gabon, Ali Bongo, has declared his intention to exit politics a year after being removed from power in a military coup.
“I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition,” Mr Bongo said in a letter addressed to the Gabonese people.
In a recent statement, the ousted leader called for the release of his wife and son, who are currently detained on corruption charges.
Questions remain about whether this appeal comes after negotiations with the military authorities or if he hopes that resigning from politics might facilitate his family’s release.
Health concerns had been significant for Mr. Bongo, especially since he suffered a stroke in 2018, with many worried leading up to the 2023 presidential election.
The military seized power in August, shortly after he was declared the winner of a disputed election opposed by rival factions.
Having ruled since 2009, he succeeded his father, who held power for more than 40 years. The Bongo family has long-standing connections to France, the former colonial power in Gabon.
Celebrations erupted at home following the coup led by Gen Brice Oligui Ngeuma, although regional and continental organizations, along with France, condemned the action.
One week after the military takeover, the ousted president was freed from house arrest, yet he has stayed in Libreville, the capital.
Gen Nguema has adopted a conciliatory stance, stating that the deposed president is free to travel abroad.
However, in his letter, Mr. Bongo noted that his movements are still restricted and monitored daily.
“My visits depend on the authorisation of the military. Isolated from the outside world without communications, without news of my family,” he added.
He urged for an end to the “violence and torture” inflicted on his French-born wife, Sylvia, and their son, Noureddin, insisting they should both be released.
They are currently in pre-trial detention, facing allegations of embezzling public funds.
Mrs. Bongo is charged with money laundering, forgery, and document falsification, though she has not publicly addressed these accusations.
Her attorney, Francois Zimeray, criticized her detention last year, describing it as arbitrary and illegal.
Mr. Bongo stated that both his wife and son are “helpless scapegoats,” reiterating that his decision to step away from active politics extends to them.
The military authorities have not responded to Mr. Bongo’s remarks but have previously denied allegations of torturing his family members.
Throughout their decades in power, Mr. Bongo and his family have faced accusations of personal enrichment at the nation’s expense, which they have denied.
Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, one-third of its 2.4 million residents live below the poverty line, according to United Nations estimates.
While acknowledging the shortcomings of his presidency, Mr Bongo hoped the junta would end what he termed “national suffering” and pleaded for national reconciliation.
“I understand that despite the achievements made under my mandates, too many Gabonese people are still suffering and this remains my greatest regret.”
Gen Nguema has promised that there will be free and fair elections leading to the establishment of a new civilian government.
However, he has not publicly commented on whether or not he will run for the country’s top job in polls that are planned for next year.
“I call on my country, its leaders and my fellow citizens to renounce vengeance and to write its next history with harmony and humanity,” Mr Bongo added, pledging never to pose any threat or trouble during the country’s transition.