In the midst of the ongoing aftermath of the recent coup in Gabon, a startling discovery has come to light. A substantial amount of hard currency, neatly packed in suitcases and bags, has been unearthed at the residence of the former Chief of Staff to Nourredine Bongo, the son of deposed President Ali Bongo.
The stunning revelation unfolded at the home of Yann Ngulu, who previously held the esteemed position of Chief of Staff under Nourredine Bongo’s leadership. The ransacking of Ngulu’s residence by the revolutionaries yielded a trove of hard currencies, including bundles of CFA francs, dollars, and Euros. A video capturing the discovery has been circulating widely on X app (formerly Twitter), adding to the intrigue.
Adding to the spectacle, Nourredine Bongo himself was apprehended on Wednesday under allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and treason. Serving as the coordinator of presidential affairs, Nourredine’s role granted him significant influence over critical sectors such as administration, security, and defense. His arrest marked a significant development in the ongoing upheaval that followed the swift change of power.
This chain of events traces back to the dramatic shift that occurred when a group of high-ranking Gabonese military officers seized control, effectively toppling the 14-year rule of President Ali Bongo. The coup took place shortly after a heavily contested re-election by Ali Bongo, a result that had faced strong opposition and controversy.
The Bongo family’s dynastic hold on power has spanned decades, with Ali’s father, Omar Bongo, maintaining authority for an astonishing 42 years. Collectively, the Bongo family’s reign has extended for 56 years, a longevity that ultimately played a pivotal role in precipitating the recent coup. The discovery of the significant stash of hard currency has further intensified the ongoing discussions and speculations surrounding this remarkable turn of events.
