Gabon court keeps opposition leader Bilie-By-Nze in detention

The Libreville Court of Appeal rejected Bilie-By-Nze’s request to invalidate the case on June 2, marking a major setback for the former prime minister, who has been detained since April 16.

Bilie-By-Nze is being investigated over alleged breach of trust and fraud linked to events dating back to 2008. His lawyers argue that the accusations are time-barred and should no longer be prosecuted.

Defence calls detention arbitrary

Bilie-By-Nze’s legal team strongly criticised the ruling, saying the case is legally flawed and raises serious concerns over due process.

His lawyer, Arthur Vercken, said the opposition leader’s continued detention violated Gabonese law, fair trial guarantees and the country’s international commitments. He called for his immediate release.

Bilie-By-Nze’s party, Ensemble pour le Gabon, has also condemned the arrest, describing it as “brutal” and irregular.

Party officials say he was held for 24 hours without access to a lawyer before being formally placed in detention.

President denies interference

President Brice Oligui Nguema has denied any involvement in the case.

Speaking to France 24, he said the judiciary was acting independently and described the matter as private.

“I have nothing to do with it. It is a private matter,” Oligui Nguema said.

He also criticised what he described as a double standard in how foreign observers assess judicial independence in African countries.

Political tensions deepen

Bilie-By-Nze served as prime minister under former president Ali Bongo Ondimba and later became one of Oligui Nguema’s strongest challengers in the 2025 presidential election.

His arrest followed a series of public criticisms of the government, including objections to the suspension of social media platforms and reforms to Gabon’s nationality code adopted without parliamentary debate.

Rule of law under scrutiny

The case has renewed concerns over political freedoms and judicial independence in Gabon.

Supporters of Bilie-By-Nze say the prosecution is an attempt to silence a leading critic of the government. Authorities insist the case is being handled by the courts.

With the opposition leader still behind bars and legal options narrowing, the case is likely to remain a major test of Gabon’s commitment to democratic freedoms and the rule of law.