Africa/Gabon

PM resigns to contest elections as independent

Article published on the 2009-07-17 Latest update 2009-07-17 17:33 TU

Rose Francine Rogombe is sworn in as acting head of state in June.
(Photo: AFP)

Gabon Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong has resigned and vowed to contest the country's upcoming presidential elections as an independent. This comes days after the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party nominated Ali Ben Bongo, son of the late president Omar Bongo Ondimba, as its leader.

"I have resigned from my functions as prime minister," Ndong, 63, said from his home in Libreville. Ndong, who is married to the daughter of the late president, had led the government since January 2006.

He failed to win a nomination from his ruling Democratic Party ahead of the August 30 poll.

The election was prompted by the death last month of Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had been Africa's longest-serving ruler, holding power for 41 years.

Gabon is currently being ruled by Senate speaker Rose Francine Rogombe, who was swiftly sworn in as interim president to prevent a power vacuum.

The Democratic Party is expected to officially endorse Ali as its candidate in a congress on Sunday.