Gabon’s military-led government refutes allegations from deposed President Ali Bongo’s lawyers regarding alleged torture inflicted on his wife Sylvia and eldest son Noureddin while in custody.
The lawyers claimed on Tuesday that Bongo, along with his two youngest sons, initiated a hunger strike to protest the purported torture, which they described as involving beatings, whippings, strangulation, and electrocution with a taser. They also stated they filed a complaint with the Paris judicial court regarding these alleged acts.
Government spokeswoman Laurence Ndong addressed the nation via state TV, labeling the allegations as “slanderous” and harmful to Gabon’s reputation. She emphasized that there is no evidence of torture or mistreatment, as claimed by the lawyers.
Ndong also dismissed assertions that the junta authorities were restricting Bongo’s movements or access to visitors, including legal counsel and family members, at his residence.
Bongo, aged 65, was ousted in a military coup in August last year, following a contested presidential election victory. He had governed the oil-rich nation since 2009, succeeding his father, who had ruled for over 40 years.
