Gabon junta chief pledges 'fair' trial for ex-first lady, son

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Gabon's junta chief promised Tuesday a "fair trial" for former first lady Sylvia Bongo and her son Noureddin, who are accused of corruption, embezzlement and forging ex-president Ali Bongo Ondimba's signature.

Brice Oligui Nguema, who took power in an August 2023 coup that toppled the Bongo dynasty, which had ruled the oil-rich country for over half a century, told Radio France Internationale that the French-born Sylvia, 62, and her 33-year-old son would be fairly treated.

He said under Gabonese law, investigations "can go on for up to years", without specifying any trial date.

The former first lady and her son have said through their lawyers that they are being "tortured" in the Libreville prison where they are being held.

Toppled president Bongo Ondimba, who is living at home in the capital, is "free to leave the country", according to the government.

Gabon's junta has accused the Bongos of widespread corruption, including rigging elections and "manipulating" the Bongo after he was weakened by a stroke in 2018.

On the night of the coup, Gabonese national television showed the arrest of Noureddin Bongo, a close adviser to his father, and other officials next to suitcases filled with cash allegedly seized from their homes.

The military has accused Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo of treason and other allegations.

Gabon is one of the richest countries in per capita terms in Africa but one in three people still live below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.