Travel news/2009

June
{{newsitem|Gabon President, Africa's Longest Serving Dictator, Dies|7 June 2009|Africa's longest-serving leader and the longest-serving head of government (excluding monarchies) in the world, Gabon's Omar Bongo, has died according to French media. Mr. Bongo has been the leader of the oil-rich state since 1967 and it is unsure what would happen in the wake of his death, of which the next-highest Gabonese official claims no knowledge. During Mr.Bongo's tenure, he has opened up the country's vast oil wealth and maintained close ties with France. Last month, he was checked into a Barcelona clinic, reportedly for cancer treatment, and for the first time ever suspended his political activity to recover from illness and cope after the death of his wife in March. He was recently put under investigation by European authorities for corruption—Bongo and the Gabonese government owned numerous homes in Europe & the US, some worth over US$1 million. Due to uncertainty over succession issues, travellers to Gabon should exercise caution and keep abreast of the current situation. France24 (including biographical video} }}