On the eve of the verdict, the co-defendants in the so-called “Bongo Valentin” trial took advantage of their final statements to express their regret and apologize to the Gabonese people.
Following the defense’s closing arguments, which took place late on Monday night, all the defendants pleaded for forgiveness in their last address before the court retired to deliberate, according to the Gabonese Press Agency.
Mohamed Ali Saliou admitted to having been “on the wrong side” and expressed hope that the seized funds would be “useful to the Gabonese people,” while also offering his apologies.
Yann Ghislain Ngoulou also admitted his wrongdoing: “I deserve to be judged. I ask the Gabonese people for forgiveness for everything I have done.”
Cyriaque Mvourandjami confessed to having “deeply disappointed” his country and felt that he “should have acted differently.”
He asked for the people’s understanding, hoping that this trial would allow for “the restoration of truth and peace.”
Abdoul Osseni Ossa declared himself ready to return to the justice system and the people the assets obtained through favours from those in power, in order to “repair the harm done.”
In the same vein, Jessy Ella Ekogha also apologised, stating that he was placing “the rest in the hands of justice and God.”
Previous hearings had already allowed the prosecution to present the charges, examine the assets seized during the investigation, and hear the initial statements of the accused, some of whom admitted to certain infractions while others contested some of them.
DM/te/fss/as/APA