Gabon's deposed President Ali Bongo has announced he will quit politics a year after he was toppled from power by a military coup. "I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition,

Gabon's ex-president Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was overthrown in a coup last year, has said he is withdrawing from political life and asked for clemency for his imprisoned wife and son who he said face "violence" and "torture".

In an open letter, the former president announced his decision to definitely quit politics and called for the liberation of his wife, and his son Sylvia and Nourredin Bongo and the end of their "torture".

The former president of Gabon, Ali Bongo has announced that he is doing away with politics. Ali Bongo had been ousted in a military coup roughly a year ago, shortly after winning a third term in office.