President Omar Bongo has died

Gabon's Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong announced that President Omar Bongo has died in a Spanish clinic. Ndong made the announcement in a written statement, saying that Bongo passed away after suffering a heart attack on 8 June. The prime minister had earlier rejected reports that the president had died, insisting that Bongo was "alive and well." Bongo's body will be repatriated from Spain on 12 June and his burial will be held before 15 June. Soon after the confirmation of his death, Bongo's son, Ali Ben Bongo, made a televised appeal for calm in Gabon and asked residents to "preserve the unity and peace" of the country. On 8 June Gabon's government declared 30 days of national mourning and closed the country's air, land and sea borders in response to the development. Reports did not indicate how long the borders will remain closed. Internet access has also been cut off since 7 June. Security forces are deployed throughout Libreville to protect key locations in the capital, including administrative buildings -- such as the prime minister's office and the state television headquarters -- and important intersections. The Libreville mayor has also banned all large gatherings and ordered all nightclubs and bars to close, but reports indicate that the city remains calm, with many residents choosing to stay indoors.