Bongo, 66, and his family arrived in the Angolan capital late Thursday, nearly two years after the end of the Bongo dynasty's 55-year rule over the oil-rich Central African nation.
The former first family's release follows discreet diplomatic negotiations between Angolan President João Lourenço and Gabon's new leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, according to a statement from Angola's presidency.
Photographs shared on the Angolan presidency's official Facebook page show Bongo and his family being welcomed at the airport in Luanda.
"The Bongo family has been released and has just arrived in Luanda," the statement read.
Ali Bongo was placed under house arrest in Libreville immediately following the August 2023 coup, which brought General Nguema, a former head of the presidential guard, to power.
Nguema was sworn in as president for a seven-year term earlier this month after securing nearly 95% of the vote in elections widely seen as consolidating military control.
Bongo's wife, Sylvia, and their son, Noureddin, had been detained separately and accused of embezzlement and money laundering. Reports indicate that the two were recently moved from basement cells in the presidential palace to house arrest on May 9. Their supporters allege they were subjected to torture while in custodyâ€"claims that Nguema's administration denies.
The African Union had been pressing for the release of the Bongo family. At a meeting on April 30, the AU's Peace and Security Council formally readmitted Gabon after suspending the country following the coup. The council urged Gabonese authorities to guarantee the rights and health of the Bongo family.
Ali Bongo came to power in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for over four decades. His presidency was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and corruption, culminating in widespread discontent that paved the way for the 2023 coup.
Gabonese authorities have not officially commented on the former first family's departure.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
