France faces calls to raise detention of Gabon opposition figure during Nguema visit

Pressure is mounting on France to address the detention of Gabonese opposition figure and former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze as President Brice Oligui Nguema begins a three-day state to Paris.

According to Vercken, the former prime minister is confined around the clock in a five-square-metre cell and allowed outside only for a few minutes each week.

Vercken rejected suggestions that such intervention would amount to neo-colonial interference, arguing France has raised human rights concerns with countries beyond its former colonies.