Bongo, Albert-Bernard

Bongo, Albert-Bernard

 

Born Dec. 30, 1935, in Lewai. Gabonese statesman.

Bongo graduated from a technical college in Brazzaville. From 1958 to 1960 he served in the French Army. From 1965 to 1967 he was minister to the president of the republic for defense and coordination, national security, information, planning (from 1966), and tourism (from 1966). From August 1966, owing to the illness of President L. Mba, he in effect carried out the duties of the president. From March to November 1967 he served as vice-president, and from November 1967 as president, of the Republic of Gabon. At the same time he was minister of national defense (1970) and minister of information. From December 1969 he was minister of planning and internal affairs.