Prominent Gabonese opposition leader Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze remains behind bars after Libreville’s appeals court dismissed his procedural nullity request on Tuesday. His legal team continues to condemn what they describe as an unlawful detention and irregular judicial process.
Court affirms continued detention despite defense’s objections
Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Gabon’s former Prime Minister and a vocal critic of President Brice Oligui Nguema, has been held since April 16 under investigation for alleged embezzlement and fraud dating back to 2008. The appeals court’s decision to dismiss his procedural challenge means he will remain in custody. His lawyers insist the charges are time-barred and lack legal merit.
Legal team cites violations of due process
In a formal statement, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze’s attorney, Me Arthur Vercken, accused authorities of a “serious breach” of Gabonese law and fair trial guarantees. The opposition party Ensemble pour le Gabon alleges he was detained under “harsh conditions” and denied access to legal counsel during the initial hours of his arrest before formal charges were filed.
President denies political interference
Speaking in a recent interview, President Brice Oligui Nguema insisted the judiciary operates independently from the executive branch. “This is a private matter; I have no involvement,” he stated while emphasizing the separation of powers in Gabon. Once a close ally of former President Ali Bongo, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze lost the 2025 presidential election to Oligui Nguema and has since criticized government policies, including social media restrictions and nationality law reforms.
