Sylvia Bongo maintains innocence, denies public funds in Swiss assets
via Gabon Review4 min read
Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, former First Lady of Gabon, continues to deny accusations of corruption and embezzlement of public funds, stating that her assets in Switzerland do not originate from any Gabonese public funds. This declaration, made on July 2, comes after her conviction in absentia to 20 years in prison by Gabonese justice in November 2025, alongside her son Noureddin Bongo Valentin. Bongo Ondimba asserts that no evidence supports the charges against her, emphasizing that her personal savings are not linked to any public treasury transfers or state disbursements. Her lawyers, Benjamin Borsodi, Endri Gega, and Paloma Croset from Schellenberg Wittmer, clarified that a recent Swiss court decision is purely procedural and does not prejudge the merits of the case. They maintain that their client strongly contests the accusations and the conditions of her trial in absentia in Gabon, vowing to pursue all available legal remedies to demonstrate her innocence within a fair trial framework. Bongo Ondimba also highlights that the banking institutions involved had verified the origin of her funds in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. She suggests the Swiss procedure was initiated by an automatic report from the Money Laundering Reporting Office MROS following accusations in Gabon after the August 2023 regime change. She reiterates the fundamental legal principle that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, not the accused, and claims no such proof has been pr
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Must ReadThe Gabonese government is closely monitoring the situation of its citizens in South Africa due to ongoing tensions related to migration. A vigilance unit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Integration, and Diaspora met on July 1 with Gabon's Ambassador to Pretoria, Rembendambia, to assess the status of the Gabonese community. According to an official statement, the situation is considered under control, with the Gabonese community reportedly aware and mobilized. The embassy expressed confidence in the well-being of its citizens in South Africa, and precautionary and security measures have been communicated to them to prevent incidents. Regarding potential repatriation, the ministry remains alert and awaits instructions from the highest state authorities, including the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, with no decision made yet. South African authorities have been officially contacted to facilitate coordinated and secure evacuations if necessary, ensuring the protection of Gabonese citizens within a diplomatic framework. Tensions in South Africa escalated on June 30, 2026, following demonstrations concerning migration, which prompted Gabonese authorities to enhance their monitoring and activate a permanent vigilance unit. Anti-immigration movements had issued an ultimatum for June 30, demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals, leading to panic and hurried departures among some migrants.
Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Influence, and Arts, responsible for Associative Life, met with a delegation from the Turkish group NUMAN International in Libreville on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The discussions focused on the company's expertise in designing sports infrastructure and potential cooperation for modernizing Gabon's sports facilities. This meeting follows the minister's announcement of a comprehensive program to rehabilitate sports and cultural equipment within two years. NUMAN International, led by its CEO Numan Hatipoglu, presented its capabilities in the design, construction, and support of sports infrastructure projects. The Turkish firm is positioning itself as a potential partner in Gabon's efforts to modernize its national sports facilities. Following the meeting, the delegation visited two key Gabonese sports sites: the multi-sport stadium and the Sports Palace in Libreville, to assess existing infrastructure and identify rehabilitation needs. NUMAN International expressed its readiness to offer its expertise to the ministry. The minister emphasized that upgrading sports infrastructure is a priority for his department, aligning with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's vision to use sports as a tool for social cohesion, training, and development. This initiative aims to attract technical and economic partners to revitalize Gabon's sports sector, enhance the appeal of national facilities, and promote Gabonese sports,
The Ministry of Youth and UNICEF officially signed their 2026-2027 Annual Work Plan in Libreville on July 1, aiming to make youth central to public policies in Gabon. This cooperation framework supports civic engagement, inclusive participation, and skill development for young people. The agreement, signed by the Minister of Youth, Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa, and UNICEF Representative in Gabon, Marie-Reine Fabry, structures and strengthens actions for Gabonese youth. The government and the UN agency plan to mobilize an operational framework with technical and financial partners to better support young people. Priorities include strengthening the U-Reporters network, assisting in the development of a National Youth Policy, revitalizing the National Youth Council, and developing youth skills to address climate change challenges. The plan also seeks to foster more inclusive civic participation by creating more spaces for expression, engagement, and contribution to public life. Marie-Reine Fabry stated that this cooperation reflects UNICEF's commitment to supporting Gabon in creating an environment where every young person can acquire necessary skills, access concrete opportunities, and have their voice heard in national debates. The Minister of Youth emphasized the need to view young people as full actors in public action, not just beneficiaries. The 2026-2027 Annual Work Plan is a joint response from the ministry and UNICEF to reinforce their shared ambition to strengthen the