Libreville — Gabon’s Tourism Minister, Pascal Ogowé Siffon, has been placed under house arrest amid allegations of attempting to flee the country, local reports say. He is suspected of embezzling nearly $18 million earmarked for tourism development, with investigators scrutinizing missing accounting records and potential misuse of funds.

Authorities described the move as rare and politically sensitive but justified it, citing concerns that Siffon might try to leave Gabon. Appointed in September 2023, Siffon had spearheaded initiatives to revive the tourism sector, including audits of state-owned hotels and infrastructure projects aimed at boosting Gabonese tourism.