GROUPS from five African countries have filed formal complaints against French billionaire Vincent Bollore and his son, alleging they benefited unlawfully from lucrative African port concessions. The allegations were submitted on Wednesday by a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), according to a report by AFP.
The collective, named Restitution for Africa, represents NGOs from Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo. They accuse the Bollore Group, Vincent Bollore, and his youngest son, Cyrille Bollore, of securing preferential treatment to operate several major ports before laundering profits through the 2022 sale of their Africa logistics business.
Accusations of corruption and influence peddling
According to the filing, the NGOs claim that the Bollore family leveraged improper relationships with political leaders in several African countries. They allege the group used influence peddling, bribery, and other corrupt practices to win concessions to operate the ports of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, Douala and Kribi in Cameroon, and Tema in Ghana.
Cyrille Bollore assumed leadership of Bollore Africa Logistics in 2019, taking over from his father. The company managed port operations, warehouses, and transport networks across 20 countries, employing over 20,000 people.
French authorities have previously investigated similar allegations. AFP reports that French prosecutors accused the Bollore Group of using its communications subsidiary to support presidential campaigns in Guinea and Togo in 2010. In return, the group allegedly secured port contracts in Conakry and Lome. While the company reached a legal settlement, AFP notes that in 2024, French financial prosecutors requested Vincent Bollore stand trial for corruption and complicity in breach of trust.
Sale of Bollore Africa logistics under scrutiny
In 2022, the Bollore Group sold its African logistics arm, Bollore Africa Logistics, to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) for €5.7 bn (about $6.05bn). Restitution for Africa claims this sale represents the laundering of profits derived from illegally obtained contracts.
At the time of the sale, Bollore Africa Logistics was regarded as the cornerstone of Vincent Bollore’s business empire. According to Forbes, the Bollore family’s fortune is currently estimated at $9.9bn. Vincent Bollore is also known for his ownership of several conservative media outlets in France.
Ongoing legal challenges
Wednesday’s complaint adds to the mounting legal pressures on the Bollore family. The NGOs’ accusations focus on corruption, influence peddling, and illicit enrichment involving local officials in Cameroon, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Vincent Bollore did not respond to request for comment on the latest allegations.
The outcome of these legal actions could have significant implications, both for the Bollore family and for discussions around foreign corporate involvement in African infrastructure projects.
