Grégory Ngbwa Mintsa: Citizen - Gabon

In Grégory Ngbwa Mintsa’s home country Gabon, 40 per cent of people live below the poverty line. Gabon’s former President Omar Bongo and his relatives, however, were found to have 39 properties and 70 bank accounts in France. Putting aside fears for his own safety, Mintsa courageously joined TI France and Sherpa in December 2008 in calling for an investigation into several African presidents suspected of large-scale foreign embezzlement.

As a taxpayer, he sought redress for damages caused both to himself and the entire nation. Thirty days later, Mintsa was imprisoned in Gabon. On release, his salary was suspended without explanation. TI France continues to fight for the case to be investigated. Whatever its outcome, Mintsa’s bravery has inspired people around the globe and sets a true precedent for challenging impunity..