Gabon court upholds detention of opposition leader Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze

Gabonese opposition figure Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze remains behind bars after the country’s appeals court in Libreville rejected his request to nullify proceedings on Tuesday. His legal team argues the case is marred by procedural irregularities and that the charges—dating back to 2008—are time-barred under Gabonese law.

Judicial panel dismisses nullity plea, extends detention

Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a former Prime Minister and vocal critic of President Brice Oligui Nguema, has been held in custody since April 16 on suspicion of alleged breach of trust and fraud committed in 2008. On Tuesday, the appeals court rejected his defense’s motion to nullify the proceedings, ordering his continued detention. His lawyers maintain that the alleged offenses have long since passed the statute of limitations and lack substantive legal grounds.

Legal team condemns alleged procedural violations

In a formal statement, lead defense counsel Me Arthur Vercken condemned what he described as a “serious violation” of Gabonese law and the defendant’s right to a fair trial. The opposition party Ensemble pour le Gabon alleges Bilie-By-Nze was detained under “harsh conditions” and denied access to legal counsel during the initial hours of his police custody before being placed under judicial remand.

President dismisses executive interference claims

In a recent interview, President Brice Oligui Nguema dismissed accusations of political interference, stating, “This is a private matter; I have no involvement.” He emphasized the independence of Gabon’s judiciary and the constitutional separation of powers. Bilie-By-Nze, who previously served as Prime Minister under former President Ali Bongo, lost the 2025 presidential election to Oligui Nguema. His arrest followed repeated public criticisms of the government, including its decision to suspend social media platforms and its proposal to amend the nationality code.