[Iran Press TV Latest] After conflicting reports about the status of Africa's longest-serving leader, Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba is officially pronounced dead. Bongo has passed away in a Spanish clinic where he was being treated for intestinal cancer.
Gabonese Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong, who had earlier denied reports of Bongo's death, confirmed that the late leader has passed away at the Quiron hospital in Barcelona.
Earlier on Monday the prime minister had said that the 73-year-old Bongo was alive and undergoing a "comprehensive health check". The claim was also confirmed by Spain's Foreign Ministry.
Vice President Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge is expected to function as acting president, since he oversaw the country during the period that Bongo was receiving treatment in Spain.
Bongo came to power in 1967, imposing a one party rule until 1991.