LIBREVILLE — Gabon’s political environment is facing renewed tension after opposition leader Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze remained in detention for more than three months, according to his lawyers.

The former prime minister and leader of Together for Gabon was arrested on April 15 in connection with an old private financial dispute. His legal team says the case is being used as a political pretext to sideline a prominent opposition figure.

The detention has triggered fresh debate over political space, opposition rights, and the direction of Gabon’s post-transition politics. Bilie-By-Nze previously challenged President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in an election following the 2023 military takeover.

His lawyers have described the detention as politically motivated and arbitrary, while the case continues to draw attention from political observers.

The development could intensify scrutiny of Gabon’s political transition and the treatment of opposition figures as the country’s new political system continues to take shape.

Further legal and political developments are expected as the case progresses.