Gabon: President Bongo Makes Rare Public Appearance

Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon, speaking at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London on October 11, 2018.
7 October 2019

Cape Town — Gabonese President Ali Bongo made a surprise appearance at a stadium in the country's capital Libreville on Saturday October 5, 2019, Bloomberg reports.

Bongo had a stroke almost a year ago, and there have been recurring questions over his fitness to govern.

The rare public appearance took place as his head of cabinet Brice Laccruche Alihanga wrapped up a tour of the country.

Bongo suffered the stroke while attending a conference in Saudi Arabia, and spent months recovering abroad before returning to the capital.

Bongo appeared in front of the crowd with Alihanga and his wife, Sylvia Bongo.

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