Ali Bongo, the deposed president of Gabon, has arrived in Angola alongside his wife and son after nearly two years of turmoil.
Angola’s presidency confirmed their arrival late Thursday, welcoming the family on humanitarian grounds following diplomatic negotiations.
Presidential spokesperson Luis Fernando said the Bongos will now decide where they wish to settle in exile.
Photos released by Angola’s government showed Bongo stepping off a plane in Luanda, over 1,000 kilometres south of Libreville.
Sylvia Bongo, 62, and her son Noureddin, 33, had been held since Gabon’s August 2023 coup, accused of embezzlement and money laundering.
The pair had recently been moved from basement detention in the presidential palace to house arrest, according to sources close to the case.
Ali Bongo, 66, was initially detained during the coup but later declared free to move, though allies disputed that claim.
Their lawyer, François Zimeray, welcomed the family’s release, calling it the result of sustained judicial and diplomatic pressure.
“Sylvia and Noureddin can finally begin to heal and rebuild,” Zimeray said, thanking those who contributed to the outcome.
The African Union had also called for their release last month, citing human rights concerns.
Supporters allege the family endured torture while in custody, claims denied by coup leader and current president, Brice Oligui Nguema.
Gabonese authorities, including the communications minister, have not responded publicly to the family’s departure.
Nguema was officially sworn in this month after winning a disputed election with nearly 95% of the vote.
Ali Bongo had governed Gabon since 2009, succeeding his father, who ruled for over four decades before his death.
The Bongo family’s departure marks a symbolic close to one of Africa’s longest-standing political dynasties.
