afrol News, 6 May - Three African presidents are under investigation by a French Magistrate for alleged corruption practices, despite earlier hestitations by the French prosecutor.

Presidents Omar Bongo of Gabon, Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, all still sitting heads of states, will be investigated for embezzelement following lawsuits by the French branch of Transparency International. The three have however reportedly denied all charges against them.

According to Tranparency International, the three leaders were saod to have bought luxury homes and cars in France with money from the public funds.

Earlier investigations by the French police had confirmed that the three leaders did own property in Paris.

Mr Bongo is Africa's longest-serving ruler, having come to power in Gabon in 1967, while Mr Obiang has been on the Equatorial Guinea's driver's for almost 30 years.

Mr Sassou-Nguesso on the other hand came back to in the Republic of Congo for a second time in 1997.

The decision by the French Magistrate has been viewed by some political observers as likely to sour relations between the three African states and other fearing for the same treatment, with the paris administration.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council yesterday expressed concern over the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in some parts of Africa, and its negative impact on the economic and social welfare of the people and the development of affected countries.

“The Security Council stresses the importance of expeditiously restoring constitutional order including through open and transparent elections,” according to a statement read by Ambassador Vitaly Churkin of Russia, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency for May.

The Council also welcomed the preventive measures taken by the African Union (AU) and subregional organisations against unconstitutional changes of government.

In addition, it welcomed the efforts of the AU and subregional organisations to promote human rights, democracy and rule of law in Africa.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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