Son of Gabon’s longtime dictator sworn in as president
By APFriday, October 16, 2009
Gabon’s president is sworn in
LIBREVILLE, Gabon — The son of Gabon’s longtime dictator was sworn in as president following disputed elections that opposition candidates said were fraudulent.
Ali Bongo took the oath of office Friday at the Presidential Palace before nearly 600 people. In his speech, Bongo said he wanted to end corruption and injustice in Gabon. He also called for Gabon’s elite to be “renewed.”
Opposition candidates did not attend. Some had filed complaints accusing Bongo of “serious manipulation” and called for a re-count. But Gabon’s constitutional court dismissed the complaints and confirmed Bongo as president on Monday.
Bongo is the son of President Omar Bongo, who ruled the oil-rich nation since 1967 until he died in June.
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