President Zuma extends condolences on death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba.

Pretoria – South African President Jacob Zuma, today Tuesday 09 June 2009 extended deepest condolences to the government and the people of Gabon following the passing of the Gabonese President, El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba in a Spanish clinic on 08 June 2009.

President Zuma said. “On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa and on my own behalf I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the people of Gabon and President Bongo’s family during these trying moments. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family that also lost a mother and a First Lady only three months ago.”

Until his death President Bongo was a friend in his endeavours to strengthen and consolidate political and people to people relations between South Africa and Gabon particularly after the 1994 democratic dispensation in our country.

President Omar Bongo has contributed enormously to the African continent through his involvement in peaceful resolution of conflict in the Central African region and the continent as a whole.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 37 87

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag x152
Pretoria, 0001

09 June 2009.