Appellate court upholds detention order

Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Gabon’s leading opposition figure against President Brice Oligui Nguema, has been held since April 16 on allegations of embezzlement and fraud dating back to 2008. On Tuesday, the Libreville appellate court dismissed his defense’s motion to nullify the proceedings, resulting in his continued detention. His attorneys argue the charges are time-barred and lack legal merit.

Defense alleges procedural violations

In a statement, lead counsel Me Arthur Vercken condemned what he called a “grave breach” of Gabonese law and fair trial guarantees. The party Ensemble pour le Gabon claims Bilie-By-Nze was detained under “harsh conditions” and denied access to legal representation during his initial hours in custody before being placed under pretrial detention.

President denies executive interference

When questioned about the case in a recent interview, President Brice Oligui Nguema dismissed claims of political influence, stating, “This is a private matter; I have no involvement.” He emphasized the judiciary’s independence and the separation of powers. A former Prime Minister under Ali Bongo’s presidency, Bilie-By-Nze lost the 2025 presidential election to Oligui Nguema. His arrest followed repeated public criticisms of government policies, including the suspension of social media and nationality law reforms.