Gabonese President Ali Bongo has been sworn-in to begin a new mandate in a ceremony in Libreville. Taking the oath of office, Ali Bongo 57, recited the following words: “I swear to devote all my strength to the good of the Gabonese people, to ensure their welfare and to prevent any harm, uphold and defend the Constitution and the rule of law.”  The Gabonese leader made the pronouncement with his left hand on the Constitution and the right hand rose to the green-yellow-blue flag of Gabon.

Ali Bongo was elected with 172,990 votes (50.66%) ahead of Jean Ping (161,287 votes, 47.24%) according to the Constitutional Court that delivered its verdict last Friday. President Ali Bongo has called for political dialogue and noted that Gabon’s diversity of opinions and concerns expressed throughout the campaign and beyond must be taken into account.

By Charles Nkwen