Former Gabon president Ali Bongo, ousted in a coup last year, has flown to Angola with his wife and son. They were transferred from prison to house arrest just last week.
The move comes after African Union officials called for the release of Bongo’s wife, Sylvia, 62, and son Noureddin, 33, who were accused of crimes including embezzlement and money laundering.
Ali Bongo, 66, had been under house arrest since the coup, although officials later claimed he was free to move as he wished. His supporters disputed this, and it’s unclear if he left Libreville before departing for Angola.
The family reportedly left Gabon before midnight on Thursday.
Bongo had ruled Gabon since 2009, taking over from his father who died after more than four decades in office.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council had called for the immediate release of Ali Bongo’s family and for guarantees that their rights and health would be protected.
Coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema, now serving as president, has denied claims of torture in custody, despite allegations from the Bongo family’s supporters.
Nguema was sworn in for a seven-year term as president after winning an election with nearly 95% of the vote.
