Gabon’s deposed President Ali Bongo and his two sons have initiated a hunger strike, protesting what they describe as “acts of torture and barbarity,” according to their lawyers.
Ali Bongo was removed from power in a military coup in August last year, shortly after winning a contested presidential election. Following the coup, he and his sons, Jalil and Bilal, were placed under house arrest in the capital, Libreville.
The ruling junta also imprisoned his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and eldest son, Noureddin, who are awaiting trial on corruption charges. Their lawyers claim that Sylvia and Noureddin have been subjected to physical abuse, including beatings and strangulation. Noureddin has allegedly been tortured, whipped, and electrocuted with a taser.
Gabonese authorities have not yet responded to these allegations.
Ali Bongo, 64, had been the leader of the oil-rich nation since 2009, succeeding his father, who had ruled for over 40 years. The family’s lawyers have filed a complaint with the Paris judicial court, just a week before Gabon’s junta leader, Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, is scheduled to visit France.
