Appeal court denies procedural challenge

Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a prominent critic of President Brice Oligui Nguema, has been held without bail since mid-April while facing allegations that his legal team argues are time-barred. The appellate judges dismissed the defense’s nullity petition, confirming the initial detention order despite claims that the alleged offenses from 2008 should be considered statute-barred under Gabonese law.

Legal team alleges rights violations

Prominent human rights attorney Arthur Vercken condemned what he described as “flagrant violations” of Gabonese criminal procedure and due process guarantees. The Ensemble pour le Gabon party alleged that Bilie-By-Nze was subjected to “brutal” arrest conditions and denied access to legal counsel during critical early hours of his detention before being formally charged.

Government maintains judicial independence

In response to mounting criticism, President Brice Oligui Nguema reiterated his administration’s commitment to judicial autonomy during a recent press engagement. “This is a matter for the courts, not the presidency,” the head of state stated, emphasizing the constitutional separation of powers. Bilie-By-Nze, who previously served as Prime Minister under suspended President Ali Bongo, lost the 2025 presidential election to Oligui Nguema and has since been a vocal critic of government policies including social media restrictions and nationality law reforms.