Gabon's interim president claimed that anti-corruption raids on the homes of former state officials yielded at least 7.2 billion CFA francs, or nearly $12 million.
According to LSI Africa, a pan-African media organization broadcasting in France, General Brice Oligui Nguema stated that the funds were hidden in the homes of dignitaries associated with the Ali Bongo administration.
Ali Bongo and General Brice Oligui Nguema, from left to right. Insert: A large sum of money was discovered in a bag at the residence of Ali Bong's ally. UGC is the source.
UGC is the source.
"General Brice Oligui Nguema affirms that the @ctrigabon has seized 7 billion 200 million FCFA (just over 11 million euros) in the residences of dignitaries of the deposed regime," LSI Africa tweeted on September 1, 2023.
Gabon's new military chief has also threatened contractors and business executives involved in the country's endemic corruption and asked them to demonstrate commitment to the country's development.
Civil society in Gabon has regularly accused government-connected contractors of substantial "overbilling" in their contracts in exchange for kickbacks given to top state officials.
"Companies have overcharged, and the services will revisit these investigations so that this overcharging reverts to the State," Gen. Oligui told business leaders who were invited to the Presidency on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
Meanwhile, state television has shown images of Noureddin Bongo Valentin, one of the deposed president's sons, and other former senior members of the presidential cabinet arrested on Thursday.
The photographs show people standing in front of trunks, luggage, and bags with billions of CFA francs stolen from their residences.
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