Security forces in Gabon have taken into custody the nation’s former prime minister, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a prominent opposition leader who has been critical of the current military government, according to his political party’s announcement Thursday.
Intelligence officers from the General Directorate of Investigations detained the 58-year-old politician at his residence on Wednesday, his party Ensemble pour le Gabon (EPG) reported.
The political organization condemned the detention as “arbitrary, brutal, and manifestly contrary to the fundamental principles of the rule of law.”
EPG officials say their leader faces charges related to an outstanding debt of five million Central African francs (approximately $8,999) from 2008. The financial obligation stems from Bilie-By-Nze’s role in organizing the National Cultural Festival, a government-sponsored celebration of Gabon’s cultural traditions, where a contractor was never compensated and continues seeking payment.
Bilie-By-Nze served as the final prime minister under Ali Bongo Ondimba’s administration before military forces removed the president from power in August 2023. In Gabon’s most recent presidential contest – the first following the military takeover – he finished as runner-up to current junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema.
“We call on the authorities of the Republic to act responsibly and guarantee a peaceful democratic framework, in accordance with Gabon’s national and international commitments,” EPG said.
