France, Nov. 10 -- The wife and son of former Gabonese president Ali Bongo, along with eleven of their close associates who held key positions at the end of his presidency, go on trial in Gabon on Monday, charged with treason and corruption.

Although the former president, who was ousted in a coup in August 2023, is not among the accused, his wife Sylvia, eldest son Noureddin and eleven of their associates will stand trial this week, accused of having taken advantage of the power and resources of the presidency.

They face 12 charges that include embezzlement of public funds, "active corruption" and forging official documents.

'Show trial'

The Bongos have called the proceedings a "show trial", and Noureddin told French weekly Le Point l...