Obama offers condolences to family of Gabon’s president

Obama offers condolences to Gabon

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is offering condolences to the people of Gabon after their longtime president died.

Gabon’s President Omar Bongo died Monday in Spain.

Obama says he was saddened to hear of Bongo’s death. Obama says Bongo played a key role in shaping the U.S.-Gabon relationship during his 42 years in power.

Obama also praised Bongo’s work to preserve his country’s natural resources and his work on conflict resolution on the African continent.