What is the current situation in Libreville?
Antoine Glaser: The situation is difficult, and the silence about Bongo’s health increased the uncertainty. He led his country like a village. Even years ago, when he was in good health but simply out of Libreville, political life was brought to a halt. Since he was hospitalized in late May, political leaders have been holding their breath and the country was blocked. There was a mad rush to stock up on basic supplies in supermarkets, a sign of people’s growing anxiousness. F24: What will happen now that Omar Bongo Ondimba is dead? A.G: The Constitution is very clear about succession: the president of the Senate, Rose Rogombe, is to act as interim president and organize future elections. In reality, the situation is far more complex. Ali Ben Bongo, the president’s son and defence minister since 1999, may seem like the best bet for his father’s succession. He visited the French president at the Elysée several times, with his father’s blessing. He’s one of the heavyweights of Gabon’s mai
