afrol News, 29 October - A French appeals court has overturned an application for lawsuit against three African leaders accused of embezzlement, citing lack of locus standi in the matter.

Transparency International had called for the trial of three African presidents, Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Republic of Congo, Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea and the late Omar Bongo of Gabon - who died in June this year - for abuse of power and misuse of public funds which were allegedly used to secure luxury homes and cars in France.

The French appeals court has said that Transparency International could not act against foreign heads of state, in its ruling.

The institution of the case follows investigation in 2007 which found the three leaders and their relatives owned homes in upmarket areas of Paris and on the Riviera as well as luxury cars. But, three leaders and their governments have maintained no wrongdoing at all.

The international anti-corruption group had argued in its papers that there was no way that such properties could have been acquired through private funding or salaries of the leaders.

The appeals hearing follows an earlier granting by a French magistrate that the case could be heard in a French court.

Following today's ruling, Transparency International has said it would take a further appeal, adding that the ruling was questionable.

By staff writer

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