Past Its Peak?

President Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon continuously for 41 years, died of a heart attack on June 8 at a clinic in Barcelona. The president had taken a temporary leave of office on May 7 2009 to mourn the death of his wife, and then flown to Europe, where it was rumoured he was seeking medical attention. His death was initially reported on June 7, but this report was denied by the government. Bongo's death was subsequently confirmed on June 8, ending the rule of one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state.

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