Omar Bongo

Gabonese politician (1935–2009)

El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba (born Albert-Bernard Bongo; 30 December 1935 – 8 June 2009) was a Gabonese politician who was President of Gabon for 42 years, from 1967 until his death in 2009. He was promoted to key positions as a young official under Gabon's first President Léon M'ba in the 1960s, before being elected Vice-President in his own right in 1966. In 1967, he succeeded M'ba to become the second President of Gabon, upon the latter's death.

Omar Bongo
Bongo in 1973
2nd President of Gabon
In office
2 December 1967 – 8 June 2009
Prime MinisterLéon Mébiame
Casimir Oyé-Mba
Paulin Obame-Nguema
Jean-François Ntoutoume Emane
Jean Eyeghe Ndong
Vice PresidentLéon Mébiame
Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge
Preceded byLéon M'ba
Succeeded byRose Francine Rogombé
2nd Vice-President of Gabon
In office
12 November 1966 – 2 December 1967
PresidentLéon M'ba
Preceded byPaul-Marie Yembit
Succeeded byLéon Mébiame
Personal details
Born
Albert-Bernard Bongo

(1935-12-30)30 December 1935
Lewai, French Equatorial Africa (now Bongoville, Gabon)
Died8 June 2009(2009-06-08) (aged 73)
Barcelona, Spain
Political partyDemocratic Party
Spouse(s)Louise Mouyabi Moukala (1957–1959)
Patience Dabany (1959–1987)[1]
Edith Lucie Bongo (1989–2009)
Children30+ (by various partners), including Ali Bongo Ondimba
Military service
Allegiance France
Branch/serviceFrench Air Force
RankCaptain

Bongo died in hospital from a heart attack on 8 June 2009 in Barcelona, aged 73.[2]

References change

  1. Clark, John F (1996). "Gabon: Limited Reform and Regime Survival". Political Reform In Francophone Africa. Westview Press. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-8133-2786-0.
  2. "Gabon president dies in Spanish hospital". Globe and Mail. 22 April 2009.