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Gabon's leader is confirmed dead Gabon's leader is confirmed dead
(10 minutes later)
Africa's longest serving leader -Gabonese President Omar Bongo - has died aged 73.Africa's longest serving leader -Gabonese President Omar Bongo - has died aged 73.
His death was confirmed by the country's Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong in a written statement.His death was confirmed by the country's Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong in a written statement.
There had been conflicting reports earlier on Monday about whether Mr Bongo, who had led Gabon since 1967, had died in a Spanish clinic.There had been conflicting reports earlier on Monday about whether Mr Bongo, who had led Gabon since 1967, had died in a Spanish clinic.
In his statement, Mr Ndong said Mr Bongo had died of a heart attack shortly before 1230 GMT.In his statement, Mr Ndong said Mr Bongo had died of a heart attack shortly before 1230 GMT.
He said Gabon would observe 30 days of mourning, and called on the Gabonese people to "stand together in contemplation and dignity".He said Gabon would observe 30 days of mourning, and called on the Gabonese people to "stand together in contemplation and dignity".
The leader of the Senate, Rose Francine Rogombe, an ally of Mr Bongo, is expected to take over as interim leader. Under the constitution, elections must be held within 45 days.The leader of the Senate, Rose Francine Rogombe, an ally of Mr Bongo, is expected to take over as interim leader. Under the constitution, elections must be held within 45 days.
France is standing by the people of Gabon and its institutions, at this difficult time Nicolas SarkozyFrench President Obituary: Omar Bongo The murky world of Omar Bongo France is standing by the people of Gabon and its institutions, at this difficult time Nicolas SarkozyFrench President Obituary: Omar Bongo The murky world of Omar Bongo class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=6562&edition=1">Should Gabon mourn Bongo?
But opposition leaders have claimed that Mr Bongo's son, Ali-Ben Bongo, currently defence minister, has been manoeuvred to take over, and question whether any election would be free and fair.But opposition leaders have claimed that Mr Bongo's son, Ali-Ben Bongo, currently defence minister, has been manoeuvred to take over, and question whether any election would be free and fair.
In the capital Libreville, the BBC's Linel Kwatsi said people had reacted to the earlier rumours of Mr Bongo's death by stockpiling food. They feared shops would shut if it was confirmed.In the capital Libreville, the BBC's Linel Kwatsi said people had reacted to the earlier rumours of Mr Bongo's death by stockpiling food. They feared shops would shut if it was confirmed.
The French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his sadness over the death of Mr Bongo. He said France was "standing by the people of Gabon and its institutions, at this difficult time."The French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his sadness over the death of Mr Bongo. He said France was "standing by the people of Gabon and its institutions, at this difficult time."
Mr Bongo became vice-president, and then president, of Gabon in 1967. He stopped work in May, and entered a clinic in Barcelona. Government officials insisted it was for a check-up, but other reports said he had cancer.Mr Bongo became vice-president, and then president, of Gabon in 1967. He stopped work in May, and entered a clinic in Barcelona. Government officials insisted it was for a check-up, but other reports said he had cancer.
Mr Bongo faced a French inquiry into corruption allegations.Mr Bongo faced a French inquiry into corruption allegations.
Oil earnings mean that Gabon is officially one of Africa's richest states but analysts say that the political elite has kept most of the money for themselves. Most of the country's 1.4 million people live in poverty.Oil earnings mean that Gabon is officially one of Africa's richest states but analysts say that the political elite has kept most of the money for themselves. Most of the country's 1.4 million people live in poverty.
Mr Bongo was one of three African leaders being investigated for alleged embezzlement by a French judge. The others are Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea.Mr Bongo was one of three African leaders being investigated for alleged embezzlement by a French judge. The others are Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea.
It is alleged that the properties owned by Mr Bongo's family in France could not have been purchased with official salaries alone.It is alleged that the properties owned by Mr Bongo's family in France could not have been purchased with official salaries alone.
Mr Bongo denied any wrongdoing.Mr Bongo denied any wrongdoing.