Gabon’s opposition party, Together for Gabon (EPG), has accused state institutions of mounting “unjustified political and legal pressure” on its leader, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, after he was summoned by the Court of Auditors over matters the party claims exceed the court’s constitutional remit.
In a statement released on Saturday, EPG criticised what it described as an “arbitrary expansion of powers” by the financial court, asserting that its actions defy constitutional limits.
The party confirmed that Bilie-By-Nze, a former Prime Minister and runner-up in the last presidential election, has filed a case with the Constitutional Court, citing an exception of unconstitutionality to challenge the proceedings.
Bilie-By-Nze, who lost in the first round of the presidential poll to General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema — the military leader who seized power from Ali Bongo in a coup in August 2023 — has become the focal point of growing political tension in Libreville. Supporters argue that the current legal scrutiny represents a veiled attempt to sideline a prominent opposition figure and destabilise Gabon’s fragile political balance.
“The institutions of the Republic must under no circumstances be diverted from their democratic purpose and their constitutional mission of safeguarding public finances,” the EPG executive secretariat said. “We stand firm in our commitment to a stable Republic, the rule of law, and democratic accountability.”
The summons, dated July 16, comes at a time when Gabon continues to navigate the complex aftermath of the 2023 coup and transition under General Oligui Nguema. Analysts say the probe into Bilie-By-Nze, one of the country’s most visible opposition leaders, risks heightening political fractures at a time when Gabon is struggling to project stability to both its citizens and international partners.
The Constitutional Court is now expected to determine whether the Court of Auditors acted within its mandate, a ruling that could have significant implications for the balance of power between Gabon’s oversight institutions and its opposition movement.
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