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Gabon
Sarkozy, other world leaders honour Bongo
Article published on the 2009-06-08 Latest update 2009-06-08 19:25 TU
French President Nicolas Sarkozy with the late Gabonese President Omar Bongo in Libreville, 27 July 2007.
(Photo: AFP)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday expressed sadness over the death of long-time Gabonese President Omar Bongo. Also, Ghana's former president, John Kufour, told RFI that he was "stunned" by Bongo's passing.
Sarkozy said in a statement that "a great and loyal friend of France has left us".
Kufour said that Bongo "seemed to be imbued with a sense of humanity and morality", despite corruption allegations against Bongo.
Interview: former Ghanian President John Kufour
Sarkozy called Bongo "a major figure in Africa and a head of state who had won the esteem and respect of his peers, especially for his many peace initiatives on the continent." He also said that France was "at Gabon's side during this ordeal".
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said, "confident in the democratic aspirations of the people of Gabon, I offer my best wishes for peace and unity".
The government of the Central African Republic told the AFP news service through a spokesperson that it learned of Bongo's passing "with a very deep grief, a very deep sadness, a very deep bitterness".
President Laurent Gbagbo of Côte d'Ivoire commented that "Africa has lost one of its most illustrious sons and a key player in its political emancipation".
