RB Consoles People of Gabon

President Rupiah Banda on June 20 sent a message of condolences to the Government and People of Gabon following the death of that country’s leader Al-Haji Omar Bongo Ondimba who died in Spain following a heart attack. Bongo was in Spain on treatment for cancer since May 2009.

The president said he knew too well how grieved and traumatized the people of Gabon feel at the loss of their Head of State because Zambia went through the same experience when President Levy Mwanawasa died in August 2008. He wished the first family his sincere condolences and deep sympathies during the period of mourning and he prayed to God to provide strength and solace to the people of Gabon as they forge national unity and development. The statement was issued from Cape Town, South Africa where the president is attending the international business forum.