Statement by Barack Obama on the death of President Bongo of Gabon

I am saddened to learn of the death of President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon.

President Bongo played a key role in developing and shaping the strong bilateral relationship that exists between Gabon and the United States today.

President Bongo consistently emphasized the importance of seeking compromise and striving for peace, and made protecting Gabon’s natural treasures a priority. His work in conservation in his country and his commitment to conflict resolution across the continent are an important part of his legacy and will be remembered with respect.

On behalf of the United States government, I offer my condolences to his family and to the people of Gabon.

And here's the team that attended the funerals on behalf of President Barack Obama:

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Libreville, Gabon to attend the Funeral of His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic on June 16th, 2009.

The Honorable Eunice S. Reddick, U.S. Ambassador to Gabon will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable Phillip Carter III, Ambassador; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Mr. Michael Strautmanis, Chief of Staff to the Senior Advisor to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison, The White House

Ms. Ertharin Cousin, President, The Polk Street Group (PSG)

Dr. Howard Wolpe, former seven-term Member of Congress and former Presidential Special Envoy to Africa’s Great Lakes Region; currently Director of the Africa Program and the Project on Leadership and Building State Capacity at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Source: White House