Africa's longest-serving leader, President Omar Bongo of Gabon, has died at the age of 73, cancer stricken, French media say.
Mr Bongo had been treated in a clinic in the Spanish city of Barcelona. He was reported to have cancer, and had suspended his activities in May.
Analyst say he has built a powerful dynasty in the former French colony during his years in office.
Opposition leaders have claimed his son, Ali-Ben Bongo, currently defence minister, is being manoeuvred to take over.
In 1973, Mr Bongo converted to Islam, changing his name to El Hadj Omar Bongo.
His wife, Edith Lucie Bongo, President Sassou-Nguesso's daughter, died in March 2009.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8088382.stm
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-omar-bongo9-2009jun09,0,1114303.story
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