Gabon's ousted president and family freed after two years and fly to Angola

Ali Bongo, Gabon's former President, has left the country. He is now in Angola, according to Angolan authorities.

The Angolan presidency announced that Bongo's family has been released from detention. They are now with him in Luanda.

Bongo's lawyer, François Zimeray, welcomed their release. He criticized their "arbitrary and cruel imprisonment."

Bongo's wife Sylvia and son Noureddin face corruption charges. They had been detained since 2023 but have not publicly commented on the charges.

Zimeray described them as having been "subjected to torture" in underground cells. He stated they can now "turn the page, heal and rebuild their lives."

The BBC has reached out to Gabon's presidency for comments on this situation. Gabonese authorities previously denied mistreatment of Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo.

Prosecutor Eddy Minang said their release is provisional due to health issues. Legal proceedings against them will continue.

Their release follows a visit from Angolan President João Lourenço. He held talks with Gabonese leader Brice Oligui Nguema after last month's elections.

Ali Bongo ruled for 14 years before being ousted in 2023. After his removal, he was placed under house arrest but reportedly had some freedom of movement.

His wife and son were imprisoned until earlier this week when they were released at the request of their lawyer, according to Minang.

Opposition leader Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze reacted by saying Oligui Nguema bowed to international demands. He called it an abuse of power.

Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo are accused of embezzling public funds. Mrs. Bongo faces additional charges of forgery and money laundering.

During their time in power, the Bongo family faced accusations of accumulating wealth at the country's expense. They deny these allegations.

Despite being oil-rich, one-third of Gabon's population lives below the poverty line, according to the UN.

Recently, the African Union readmitted Gabon after suspending its membership due to the coup. Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed hope for constitutional restoration across Africa.

Meanwhile, military leaders in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso resist pressure to return power to civilians.