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Gabon
Senate speaker takes oath as interim head of state
Article published on the 2009-06-10 Latest update 2009-06-10 12:04 TU
Rose Francine Rogombe, Gabon's new interim head of state
(Photo: upg-gabon.org)
Rose Francine Rogombe, speaker of the Senate of Gabon, was sworn in Wednesday as interim head of state. Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to transport the body of the former president, Omar Bongo, back to Gabon from Barcelona, where his death was announced on Monday.
Rogombe took the oath of office at the International Conference Centre in Libreville.
During the ceremony, she said, "I swear to devote all my strength to the good of the Gabonese people, with the aim of promoting its well-being and protecting it from all harm, to respect and defend the constitution and a state of law, and conscientiously to carry out my duties and to be fair before everyone."
On Tuesday, the country's constitutional court had approved her appointment.
Meanwhile, Bongo's remains are going to be returned to Gabon on Thursday, reportedly one day earlier than originally planned.
Gabonese representatives have also scheduled a tribute to Bongo on Thursday in Barcelona, before the four-day state funeral in Gabon, which begins on Friday.
Bongo died in Barcelona at the age of 73, where he had been receiving medical treatment at a private clinic. He was president of Gabon for over 40 years.
 Senate leader Rogombe takes over as interim president |
