Gabon’s Reconciliation Process : Head of State Honors Late President Omar Bongo Ondimba’s Memory

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the passing away of former President Omar Bongo Ondimba, President of the Transition and Head of State, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, made a visit to Franceville on June 7 to pay respects to the esteemed late leader. Omar Bongo Ondimba, who passed away on June 8, 2009, in Barcelona, Spain, was a renowned statesman. Beginning his career as Minister Delegate to the Presidency of the Republic, he later held positions in national defense and coordination before becoming Director of Cabinet and eventually Vice-President under the late President Léon Mba. At the age of 32, he succeeded President Mba on December 2, 1967, becoming the youngest Head of State globally. Serving as the second President of the Gabonese Republic from 1967 to 2009, Omar Bongo Ondimba was affectionately known as the Father of the Nation for his commitment to peace, unity, dialogue, and tolerance, principles he championed not only within Gabon but also in the Central Africa sub-region and beyond. He played a crucial role as a mediator in various regional conflicts, working towards peace in countries such as the Central African Republic, Chad, Burundi, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo. President Nguema, accompanied by First Lady Madame Zita Oligui Nguema and other dignitaries, including members of the government, presidents of institutions, local authorities, and the public, participated in a tribute ceremony alongside the late President’s family. The ceremony commenced with a Mass of thanksgiving at Saint Hilaire Cathedral in Franceville, followed by a moment of reflection and wreath-laying at the deceased’s mausoleum. The event concluded with a military parade and the playing of the national anthem in honor of the late statesman and philanthropist, Omar Bongo Ondimba