Calls grow for Paris to address Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze’s case as Gabonese leader meets Macron
France is facing growing pressure to raise concerns over the detention of Gabonese opposition figure and former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze as President Brice Oligui Nguema begins a three-day state visit to Paris.
Bilie-By-Nze has been in detention since April after being charged with fraud and breach of trust linked to events dating back to 2008.
The former prime minister denies the allegations, while his legal team argues that the case is politically motivated and is calling for greater international attention to ensure his rights are protected.
Lawyers call for French intervention
Bilie-By-Nze’s lawyer, Arthur Vercken, has urged France to use its diplomatic influence to encourage Gabon to respect the rule of law.
Vercken claims his client is being held in poor conditions, alleging that the former prime minister is confined to a small cell and has limited access to outdoor activities.
The lawyer described the detention conditions as an attempt to weaken his client and called on French authorities to defend human rights principles.
He rejected accusations that French involvement would represent interference in Gabon’s internal affairs, arguing that France has previously raised human rights concerns in countries outside its former colonial sphere.
Gabon denies political involvement
Gabonese authorities have rejected claims that the case is politically driven.
Officials insist that the country’s judiciary operates independently and that the legal process against Bilie-By-Nze is being handled according to the law.
The former prime minister’s detention has nevertheless attracted attention from rights advocates and political observers, who are monitoring Gabon’s transition following the 2023 military takeover that brought Oligui Nguema to power.
Nguema and Macron set to discuss key issues
During his visit to France, President Oligui Nguema is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron for talks focused on economic cooperation, mining investment and defence relations.
The discussions come as Gabon seeks to redefine its relationship with France after years of close ties under the country’s previous leadership.
Mining is expected to be a major issue on the agenda, particularly Gabon’s push for greater local processing of its natural resources.
The two countries are also expected to discuss the future of French military presence in Gabon and broader cooperation between Paris and Libreville.
Human rights concerns remain
Bilie-By-Nze’s case adds another layer of complexity to Gabon’s political transition as the country attempts to restore civilian governance after the removal of former president Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Observers say the handling of opposition figures will be closely watched as Gabon works to strengthen democratic institutions.
For France, the visit presents a diplomatic challenge: maintaining strategic relations with Gabon while facing calls to speak out on human rights concerns.
As President Nguema meets with French officials, pressure is expected to continue over whether Paris will publicly address the detention of one of Gabon’s most prominent opposition voices.
