AFRICA/GABON - An uncertain future after Bongo

Libreville (Agenzia Fides) – The Leader of the Senate of Gabon, Rose Francine Rogombe, swore in as President ad interim, today June 10, following the June 8th death of President Omar Bongo. The ceremony took place in Libreville, the capital of Gabon, according to the Constitutional norms that state that in the case of the President's death, the Leader of the Senate assumes the function of Head of State ad interim, for 45 days following the death of the President. Ms. Rogombe swore in before the President of the Constitutional Court, Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo. The two highest offices in the country are occupied by women. This is significant, considering that Omar Bongo, who died in a clinic in Barcelona (Spain), was the “dean” of the African Presidents and was in some way the symbol of a manner of politics in Africa characterized by a blending of government affairs with personal interests.
He came to power in 1967 and governed the country since then, maintaining a close relationship with the ancient colonizer, France.
Bongo is also remembered for his various interventions in mediating African crises and this is perhaps the most important heirloom he leaves his country and continent. He is remembered in the mediation in the civil war in Congo Brazzaville, in 1999 or more recently, in the crisis of the Central African Republic, and in Chad.
Gabon is now “orphan” after the loss of a President that ruled the life of the country for 40 years and seems not to have prepared a successor. The respect for the Constitutional process is, therefore, a positive note, and it seems at least for now, relieve fears of a possible struggle for succession among the collaborators of the Bongo family (the so-called “clan Bongo”). En Gabon, however, they say that it will be difficult to organize elections in 45 days, in part due to the voter registration lists, which are now outdated.
The future of Gabon remains uncertain, as well, due to the upcoming reduction in oil production. Oil was the country's main resource, however the oil reserves are now drying up. Bongo had managed to ensure social peace thanks to the oil revenue, which gave way to the creation of a middle class of state employees. However, the expected reduction of oil profits presents the risk of a profound crisis. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2009)