Gabon ruler dies after 42 years as president

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Omar Bongo, the world's longest-serving president, whose 42-year rule in Gabon was a throwback to an era when Africa was ruled by "Big Men," died Monday. He was 73.

The government responded to Bongo's death at a hospital in Spain by closing Gabon's international airport and the nation's land and sea borders. Security forces took up positions in front of government buildings and electrical installations in Libreville, the capital.

People rushed home after the news was announced, causing traffic jams. Some residents could be seen hurrying out with empty bags, apparently to stock up on food in advance of possible store closures.

Since the head of state had checked into the Spanish hospital last month, Gabonese officials had aggressively denied that he was ill, insisting he had gone to Spain to observe "a period of mourning" following the death of his wife.

Just hours before announcing Bongo's death, Gabonese Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong held a news conference at the Quiron Clinic in Barcelona to say the president was "alive and well."

Plans for a state funeral were under way and will soon be announced, Communications Minister Laure Gondjout told The Associated Press by telephone late Monday. She stressed the country's constitution "will be followed."

The constitution calls for the head of the Senate to assume power and for presidential elections within 90 days. There has been widespread speculation that one of Bongo's sons would try to seize power upon his father's death, as happened in nearby Togo.

Bongo, who was believed to be one of the world's wealthiest leaders, became the longest-ruling head of government — a category that does not include the monarchs of Britain and Thailand — when Fidel Castro handed power to his brother last year.