The Gabonese Head of State, Ali Bongo, displayed, Sunday, April 2 in Libreville, his recognition vis-à-vis the attention he had received from HM Mohammed VI, King of Morocco.
He has, in fact, affirmed that he had stayed in this friendly country to cure himself of the cerebrovascular accident (CVA) which had struck him down in October 2018 in Saudi Arabia.
« The king has done everything for me, » Bongo acknowledged, as he addressed supporters of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), gathered on the occasion of the commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the formation policy. It was for the first time that President Bongo mentioned this disease of which he still bears the stigmata.
The King of Morocco and President Bongo are long-time friends and their countries have strong relations, as well as a bilateral partnership in different fields.
Bongo also welcomed the welcome given to him by the Gabonese on his return to his native country, after a long convalescence in Morocco.
“It was extraordinary, there was a crazy world! It made me crazy. You can’t imagine the good it could have done. Finally I returned, the Gabonese who were waiting for me”, he said, with tears in his eyes.
“With a people like that, you feel strong. There is no reason to doubt. And now, we will go even further, further, further and we will do it all together, because the country needs us,” he continued, referring probably to his candidacy for the next presidential election.
In any case, Bongo believes that the fact that he survived the disease is a sign from God that his mission for his country is not yet over.
“The disease I had, you know I’m lucky, there are barely 10% who live again after that and no head of state (…) God wanted us to stay and stay together and that I continues to carry the voice of Gabon everywhere, everywhere ».
While refraining from officially announcing his candidacy, the Head of State invited his supporters to be « ready for an indisputable victory by K.O », knowing that all « elections will be played in a single round ».
The next presidential election should be held in the second half of 2023, and will be immediately followed by legislative and local elections.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1114 of 03/04/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
