Deposed African Leader Embarks on Hunger Strike

Ali Bongo, the former president of Gabon, has initiated a hunger strike to protest against the alleged mistreatment of himself and his family, who have been in detention since August. According to reports, his lawyers revealed this information on Tuesday, stating that two of Bongo’s sons, Jalil and Bilal, have also decided to participate in the hunger strike due to being deprived of their freedom for nine months.

The family’s attorney, Francois Zimeray, informed Radio France Internationale (RFI) that the situation has led to the decision of Jalil and Bilal to stand in solidarity with their father. Zimeray emphasized that the family members have been arrested, tortured, and denied their fundamental rights, as recognized by all. The ongoing detention and alleged mistreatment have prompted this drastic action from the Bongo family.

Ali Bongo, who had been in power for 14 years, was placed under house arrest in Libreville, along with his sons, following a coup by Gabonese soldiers that nullified the results of the disputed presidential election in August. Despite being declared the winner with 64.27% of the vote, Bongo found himself in a precarious situation, with his family members also facing legal troubles and alleged abuse while in custody.

The legal counsel for the Bongo family released a statement, reported by AFP, detailing the physical assaults suffered by Noureddin and Sylvia, the eldest son and wife of the deposed president, respectively. The complaint mentioned instances of torture, beatings, strangulation, and other forms of abuse inflicted on the family members while in detention, painting a grim picture of their current situation.

The defense team further highlighted the mistreatment of Noureddin and Sylvia, stating that Noureddin had been subjected to severe physical abuse, including being beaten with various objects and electrocuted with a Taser. Sylvia, who was forced to witness the torture, was also reportedly beaten and strangled, as part of what the legal counsel described as an ongoing campaign to strip the family of their assets and rights.

In light of these disturbing developments, the Bongo family’s legal representatives have taken legal action by filing a complaint with the Paris Judicial Court. This move comes ahead of a scheduled visit to France by Gabon’s new leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, indicating a proactive approach to seeking justice and accountability for the alleged mistreatment and abuse suffered by the deposed president and his family.

Noureddin was reportedly subjected to multiple instances of torture, including being beaten with a hammer and a crowbar, strangled, whipped, and even electrocuted with a Taser, according to sources.

The family of Sylvia Bongo was said to have experienced a relentless campaign of violence, with Sylvia herself being forced to witness torture, in addition to being beaten and strangled, as part of an extensive effort to seize the family’s assets.

The defense team highlighted that they had lodged a formal complaint with the Paris Judicial Court in anticipation of the upcoming visit to France by Gabon’s new leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes committed and the need for justice to prevail.

Lawyer Zimeray emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that those responsible for the crimes must be held accountable, promising a thorough investigation, legal summons, and the issuance of international arrest warrants for individuals who fail to cooperate, asserting that they possess information on the individuals involved in orchestrating or supporting the acts of abduction, torture, and cruelty.