Gabonese politician busted after attempting to smuggle out US$2m cash

Former Gabonese Speaker of Parliament, Guy Nzouba-Ndama, has been placed under house arrest almost a week after he was arrested.

A video of Nzouba-Ndama attempting to enter neighbouring Republic of Congo with suitcases packed with the CFA equivalent of $2 million (£1.8 million), went viral on September 17.

Mr Nzouba-Ndama - a potential opposition candidate in upcoming presidential elections

Read full article- is now facing two charges according to local media outlet.

One, with violations of import controls and two, cooperation with a foreign power.

The BBC Africa LIVE page reports that his party, The Democrats, say the accusations are politically motivated.

The 76-year-old was for 19 years the speaker of the National Assembly and a loyal ally of the former president, Omar Bongo, father of the incumbent Ali Bongo Ondimba, the BBC added.

#Gabon ???????? Les enquêteurs ont découvert 1 milliard de francs CFA dans la valise en liasses de billets estampillées BEAC.

???? En vidéo : L’arrestation de l’opposant Guy Nzouba-Ndama, le 17 septembre 2022#jeuneafrique pic.twitter.com/kOfFtpHUzH

— Jeune Afrique (@jeune_afrique) September 20, 2022