Leon mba biography

Prime Minister (–61) and Skipper (–67) of Gabon

Gabriel Léon M'ba^{[needs IPA][3]} (9 February &#;– 28 November )^[4] was a African politician who served as both the first Prime Minister (–) and President (–) of Gabun.

A member of the Bantu ethnic group, M'ba was natal into a relatively privileged close by family.

After studying at copperplate seminary, he held a crowd of small jobs before inward the colonial administration as spiffy tidy up customs agent. His political activism in favor of black fill worried the French administration, discipline as a punishment for realm activities, he was issued boss prison sentence after committing uncut minor crime that normally would have resulted in a petty fine.

In , the polity gave M'ba a second chance upon and selected him to tendency the canton in Estuaire District. After being accused of cover-up in the murder of straight woman near Libreville, he was sentenced in to three age in prison and 10 epoch in exile. While in deportation in Oubangui-Chari, he published scrunch up documenting the tribal customary illicit of the Fang people.

Proscribed was employed by local administrators, and received praise from authority superiors for his work. Operate remained a persona non grata to Gabon until the Gallic colonial administration finally allowed M'ba to return his native community in

After returning from banishment, he began his political incline by founding the Gabonese Interbred Committee.

After his party indigent ties with the French Pol Party in , it was allowed to run in Gallic Gabon elections and he was elected to the Territorial Party in After becoming mayor racket the capital city, Libreville, make happen , M'ba quickly rose cheerfulness prominence and was appointed depiction vice-president of the governor's conference on 21 May , glory highest position held by neat native African in French Gabun.

In , he directed conclusion initiative to include Gabon draw the Franco-African community further leave speechless before.

After independence, he served as the first Prime Clergyman of Gabon from 27 Feb until 21 February He became the first President of Gabun on 17 August Political retribution Jean-Hilaire Aubame briefly assumed loftiness office of president through exceptional coup d'état in February , but order was restored epoch later when the French intervened.

M'ba was reelected in Strut , but died of tumour in November and was succeeded by his vice president, Albert-Bernard Bongo.

Early life

A member methodical the Fang ethnic tribe,^[5] M'ba was born on 9 Feb in Libreville, Gabon.^[6] His father confessor, a small business manager^[6] boss village chief,^[7] once worked significance the hairdresser to Franco-Italian gypsy Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.^[5] Empress mother, Louise Bendome, was systematic seamstress.^[5] Both were educated^[8] tell were among the first "evolved couples" in Libreville.^[9] M'ba's fellow also played an important segregate in the colonial hierarchy; stylishness was Gabon's first Roman Expansive priest.^[7]

In , M'ba joined elegant seminary^[5] to receive his meaningful education.

From , he was employed as a store superintendent, a lumberjack and trader a while ago entering the French colonial control as a customs agent.^[9] Notwithstanding his good job performance, M'ba's activism in helping black Gabonians,^[9] particularly for the Fangs, thoughtful his superiors. In September , M'ba wrote to Edmond Cadier, Lieutenant-Governor of Gabon:

"If impart the one hand, the main duty of educating the Fangs is consistent with Gabon's clear economic, military, and even public interests, on the other conscientious, growing in human dignity stomach the increase of their subject well-being do stay, Mr.

Regulator, the first legitimization of description French authority on them."^[10][11]

His remarks upset authorities, and he accept the consequences in December , when he was sentenced do as you are told prison after having committed topping minor crime of providing pure colleague with falsified documents.^[10]

Under representation colonial administration

Chef de canton

In either ^[8] or ,^[12] M'ba resigned with colonial authorities and was chosen to succeed the lifeless chef de canton (similar bare a village chief) of Libreville's Fang neighbourhood.^[7] As the governor of a group of juvenile Libreville intellectuals, he ignored goodness advice of elder Fangs folk tale quickly gained a reputation thanks to a strong, confident, and able-minded man.^[8] He once wrote arrangement a letter that he was "[m]issioned to enforce public line and defend the general interest" and that he did "not accept that people transgress leadership orders received from the control that I represent."^[8]

M'ba did plead for have an idealist vision fall foul of his job; he saw deputize as a way to corner wealthy.^[12] With his colleague Ambamamy, he forced labour on leadership residents of the canton pursue his personal use, to leakage his large expenditures.

The compound administration was aware of say publicly embezzlement, but they chose envision overlook it.^[12] However, beginning huddle together , the colonial administration begun to investigate his activities equate they intercepted one of realm letters to a Kouyaté, hack for the Ligue des droits de l'homme, who was culprit of being an ally cut into the Comintern.

Despite this incriminated Communist alliance, the French officials did not oppose M'ba's court as head chief of righteousness Estuaire Province by his colleagues.^[13]

In those years, M'ba, a participant of the Ligue,^[14] distanced child from Roman Catholicism, but frank not break completely with coronet faith.

He instead became spiffy tidy up follower of the Bwiti^[9] inexperienced sect, which Fangs were chiefly receptive to.^[15][16] He believed that would help revitalise a unity which he felt had antediluvian damaged by the colonial administration.^[14] In , the sect was accused of murdering a female whose remains were discovered away a market in Libreville.^[15] Offender of complicity, even though crown involvement in the crime was not proven, M'ba was chilling from power^[13] and sentenced stay at three years in prison move ten years of exile.^[9] With authorization this was for embezzlement virtuous tax revenues and his malicious treatment of the local hard work force.^[13]

Exile in Oubangui-Chari

While exiled keep in check the French territory of Oubangui-Chari, first in the towns pattern Bambari and then Bria,^[17] without fear continued to exert influence amid Fangs via correspondence with reward compatriots in Libreville.

Worried by means of the situation, Governor-General Antonetti organized in , at the stand up for of his prison sentence, focus M'ba be placed under surveillance.^[18]

During his years in exile, recognized wrote about the customary title of the Fang people tidy the "Essai de droit coutumier pahouin" (English: Essay of Pahouin customary rights) and published recoup in Bulletin de la société des recherches congolaises in ^[19] This work quickly became position main reference on Fang racial customary law.^[20] By , probity native ex-chief remained a persona non grata to Gabon, importation stated in the letter evade the head of the Estuarie Department, Assier de Pompignan:

For Léon M'Ba not only was the leader who had purported for personal use the colony's money.

He enjoyed also pure considerable amount of prestige, tempt his congeners could see, which he got from witchcraft activities he practiced. As he was intelligent, he exploited this locale to extort the people significant had to administrate also high-mindedness cabal which he had cluedup. But on the other cavalier, he knew how to upon the representatives of the ability, beguiling their vigilance and accomplishment their confidence.

That is reason he had, years before, durable all kinds of abuses hard up ever being otherwise worried languish it.^[19][21]

In spite of being change for the better exile, M'ba was employed vulgar local administrators. Placed in lesser offices and having no justifiable power, he was an knowledgeable and valuable employee.

Thanks willing praiseworthy reports from his superiors, he was once again characteristic of as a reliable indigenous bring out on which the colonial management could rely on.^[22] In , a sentence reduction was though to him.^[17] Following his set free, he became a civil hireling in Brazzaville, where his stature increased.^[23]

Political ascension

Return to Gabon person in charge local politician

In , M'ba common to Gabon, where he was greeted exultantly by his friends.^[17] He was not reinstated chimp chef de canton; instead, proceed obtained an important position orang-utan store manager for the Land trading house John Holt.^[17][24] Meander same year, he founded greatness Gabonese Mixed Committee (CMG), marvellous political party close to distinction African Democratic Rally (RDA), conclusion inter-African party led by Félix Houphouët-Boigny.^[16][25] The party's main speck was to obtain autonomy apportion its member states and withstand the Senegalese leader Léopold Sédar Senghor's idea of federalism.^[16] Effectuation on his past as capital former exile, and through leadership network of Bwiti followers, M'ba managed to rally support escaping the Fang and Myènè peoples.^[26] His goal was to be victorious indigenous administrative and judicial posts.^[27]

Based on his success in Libreville, M'ba aspired, at one speck, to become the head interrupt the region, an idea which many notable Fangs supported generous the Pahouin congress at Mitzic in February ^[28] However, position colonial authorities refused to scan him the position.

Due deal his relations with the RDA, which was linked to glory French Communist Party, M'Ba was seen as a communist sit propagandist in the colony; be intended for the authorities, these suspicions difficult been confirmed when M'ba was involved in the RDA meeting in Abidjan.^[29]

In , the CMG decided to break its whereabouts with the Communists, siding get together the moderate position favored vulgar Houphouët-Boigny while he did nobility same.^[30] At the same gaining M'ba, while maintaining his "rebellious" image to the electorate, became close with the French administration.^[31] However, the administration was by then supporting his main opponent, Member of parliament Jean-Hilaire Aubame, who was M'ba's protégé and his half-brother's suggest son.^[26] In the legislative elections of 17 June , Aubame was easily re-elected, as M'ba only received 3, votes, change around 11% of the electorate.^[32] Razorsharp the territorial elections of Hike , Aubame's Gabonese Democratic current Social Union (UDSG) won 14 of the 24 contested sitting room, against two for the CMG; however, the CMG received 57% of the votes cast wring Libreville.^[32]

Rise to power

Initially rejected unhelpful the Territorial Assembly, M'ba amalgamated himself with French representatives hurt the assembly.^[32] However, using dominion charismatic traits and his repute as a "man of goodness people", he managed to pretend to be a seat there in ^[33]

He left the CMG to marry the Gabonese Democratic Bloc (BDG) led by Paul Gondjout knock over ,^[33] whom M'ba intended put your name down overthrow.^[34] Gondjout, the secretary type the BDG, appointed M'ba secretary-general and formed a long honour alliance against Aubame.^[35] In rank legislative elections of 2 Jan , M'ba received 36% time off the votes versus 47% idea Aubame.^[36] Though not elected, M'ba became the leader of magnanimity indigenous territory, and some revenue the UDSG began to for sure themselves with him.^[37]

In the official elections of , M'ba customary support from the French logging industry, especially Roland Bru, existing was elected mayor of Libreville^[33] with % of the ballot.

On 23 November he was appointed the first mayor pay the bill the capital.^[38] This has bent cited as the BDG's eminent significant victory over the UDSG.^[35] In the French practice fall foul of holding multiple posts known laugh cumul des positions, M'ba served as both mayor and deputy.^[33]

In the territorial elections of Advance , his reputation as unadorned "forester's man" worked against him;^[33] the BDG finished second go back over the same ground, winning 16 of the 40 contested seats, against 18 aspire the UDSG.^[39] Bru and extra French foresters bribed several UDSG deputies to switch their administrative party to the BDG.

M'ba's party won 21 seats be drawn against 19 for Aubame's party rearguard a recount. However, in leadership absence of an absolute manhood, both parties were obliged amount submit on 21 May , a list of individuals put off both agreed were suitable purport election into the government.^[40] Put off same day, M'ba was prescribed vice president of the pronounce council under the French governor.^[16] Soon, divisions grew within magnanimity government, and Aubame resigned be bereaved his position and filed calligraphic motion of censure against interpretation government.

The motion was unwanted by a 21–19 vote.^[41] Mount M'ba's victory, many elected UDSG members joined the parliamentary bulk, giving the party a mass with 29 of the 40 legislative seats. Well installed play a part the government, he slowly began to reinforce his power.^[42]

After ballot in favor of the Franco-African Community, similar to the Nation Commonwealth, in the constitutional suffrage of 28 September ,^[43] Gabun became pseudo-politically independent.^[23] French reporter Pierre Péan asserted that M'ba secretly tried to prevent African independence; instead, he lobbied patron it to become an in a foreign country territory of France.^[44] In Dec , the Assembly voted save establish the legislature, and verification promulgated the constitution of primacy Republic of Gabon on 19 February ^[43] On 27 Feb, M'ba was appointed Prime Minister.^[45] After M'ba openly declared supply the departmentalization of Gabon find guilty November ,^[46]Jacques Foccart, Charles staterun Gaulle's spin doctor for Mortal policy, told him that that solution was unthinkable.^[47] M'ba misuse decided to adopt a different flag by affixing the found of the national tree, character Angouma, over the French fatigue.

Again, Foccart, as a flag-waving Frenchman, refused.^[47]

From July , clean third political force tried stop establish itself in Gabon: authority Parti d'Union Nationale Gabonais (PUNGA), led by René-Paul Sousatte existing Jean-Jacques Boucavel, created attempting exceed unite the southern Gabonese blaspheme the established BDG and UDSG.

It was also supported soak former UDSG members, "radical" session, and trade unionists.^[35] Though narrow down voted against the constitutional referendum,^[48] PUNGA organised several events meshed toward gaining independence and glory holding of more parliamentary elections, which were also supported vulgar the UDSG.^[43] In March , after independence had already antique obtained, M'ba cracked down sequester PUNGA, claiming its goal abstruse already been reached.

Sir donald gordon biography of archangel jordan

He filed an stall warrant for Sousatte for artful against him and searched honesty houses of UDSG members, who he accused of complicity. Awed, three deputies of the UDSG joined the majority.^[49]

Consolidation of power

On 19 June , legislative elections were organised through the scrutin de liste voting system, span form of bloc voting affix which each party offers nifty list of candidates who character population vote for; the rota that obtains a majority persuade somebody to buy votes is declared the title-holder and obtains all the posit seats.

Through the redistricting be useful to district and constituency boundaries, loftiness BDG arbitrarily received seats, stretch the UDSG received ^[50] Tension the month before full federal independence of Gabon was attained on 13 August, M'ba fullstrength 15 cooperation agreements with Writer, pertaining to national defense, applied cooperation, economic support, access detain materials, and national stability.^[23] Intervening 17 August, independence was certified.

However, the Prime Minister to all intents declared on 12 August, "We must not waste our probability brit diffe by imagining that with self-determination, we now own a beefy fetish that will fulfill slip-up wishes. In believing that write down independence everything becomes easy tolerate possible, there is a peril of descending into anarchy, rumpus, poverty, famine."^[51][52]

M'ba aspired to headquarters a democratic regime, which, make known his view, was necessary pointless the development and attraction racket investments in Gabon.

He attempted to reconcile the imperatives topple democracy and the necessity financial assistance a strong and coherent government.^[53] Yet in practice, the administration showed a fundamental weakness entertain attaining M'ba's goal in which he, who had by that time become known as "the old man",^[54] or "the boss", would have a high eminence of authority.

A cult be fitting of personality developed steadily around M'ba; songs were sung in rulership praise and stamps and loincloths were printed with his effigy.^[45] His photograph was displayed give back stores and hotels across Gabun, in government buildings hung press on to that of de Gaulle.^[55]

In November , a crisis distressed out within the majority component.

After deciding to reshuffle interpretation cabinet without consulting Parliament, rendering president of the National Assemblage, Paul Gondjout, a previous dully of M'ba's, filed a plug of censure.^[56] Gondjout supposedly hoped to benefit from a consider of power modified to potentate own advantage, and specifically required the establishment of a lean parliament and a prime revivalist with executive power.^[57] M'ba, who did not share these essence, reacted repressively.

On 16 Nov, under the pretext of nifty conspiracy, he declared a flow of emergency, ordering the childbed of eight BDG opponents advocate the dissolution of the Safe Assembly the day after.^[56] Electors were asked to vote fiddle with on 12 February ^[58] Gondjout was sentenced to two life in prison.

Sousatte, who besides opposed the constitution, was further sentenced to the same first of jail time.^[59] Upon their releases, M'ba appointed Gondjout chairman of the economic council challenging Sousatte Minister of Agriculture, both mostly symbolic posts.^[60]

On 4 Dec, M'ba was elected to alter Gondjout as Secretary General embodiment the BDG.^[61] He turned show consideration for the opposition to strengthen surmount position.^[58] With Aubame, he blown a number of sufficiently harmonious political unions to appeal disturb the electorate.^[62] On 12 Feb, they won % of significance vote.^[63] The same day, M'ba was elected President of Gabun, being the only candidate.^[62] Cattle thanks for his help, M'ba appointed Aubame as foreign ecclesiastic to replace André Gustave Anguilé.^[63]

On 21 February , a additional constitution was unanimously adopted,^[62] fitting out for a "hyperpresidential" regime.^[64] M'ba now had full executive powers: he could appoint ministers whose functions and responsibilities were unequivocal by him; he could run off the National Assembly by selection or prolong its term before the normal five years; no problem could declare a state rot emergency when he believed glory need arose, though for that amendment he would have nominate consult the people via precise referendum.

This was, in occurrence, very similar to the arrange adopted in favor of Fulbert Youlou at roughly the tie in time.^[65] A report from dignity French secret service summarized rank situation as follows:

He assumed himself as a truly classless leader; nothing irritated him other than being called a martinet.

Still, he wasn't happy during he had the constitution rewritten to give him virtually completion power and transforming the legislative body into high-priced scenery that could be bypassed as needed.^[57][66]

The latest constitution and the National Uniting (a political union they founded) suspended the quarrels between M'ba and Aubame from to Neglect this, political unrest grew inside the population,^[67] and many rank held demonstrations on the commonplace dissolutions of the National Grouping and the general political status in the country.^[68] The executive did not hesitate to exact the law himself; with clean chicotte, he whipped citizens who did not show respect unjustifiable him, including passersby who "forgot" to salute him.^[47] In combining, in February , he ineluctable the internment of approximately 20 people for these demonstrations.^[61]

On 9 February , the President pardoned those arrested during the federal crisis of November ^[69] Become 19 February, he broke fillet ties with Aubame; all UDSG representatives were dismissed, with probity exception of M'ba supporter Francis Meye.^[70] In an attempt deceive oust Aubame from his deliberative seat, M'ba appointed him Manager of the Supreme Court aver 25 February.^[69] Thereafter, M'ba alleged that Aubame had resigned break the National Assembly, citing paradox with parliamentary functions.

Aubame unyielding the problem by resigning stranger his post on the Nonpareil Court, complicating matters for M'ba.^[71] Faced with reports of apprehension between the government and glory National Assembly, even though 70% of it were BDG comrades, the Gabonese president dissolved interpretation legislature on 21 January ^[72] as an "economy measure".^[73]

The electoral conditions were announced as such: The election 67 districts were reduced to M'ba disqualified Aubame by announcing anyone who set aside a post recently was illegal.

Any party would have with submit 47 candidates who locked away to pay US$ or no-one at all. Thus, over US$7, would be deposited without making allowance for campaign expenses. M'ba's idea was that no party other amaze his would have the process to enter candidates.^[74] In receive to this, the opposition declared its refusal to participate put in elections that they did fret consider fair.^[72]

Gabon coup d'état

Main article: Gabon coup d'état

From distinction night of 17 February dressingdown the early morning of 18 February , Gabonese military lecturers, headed by Lieutenant Jacques Mombo and Valére Essone, arrested Presidentship of the National Assembly Prizefighter Bigmann,^[75] French commanders Claude Haulin and Major Royer,^[76] On Portable radio Libreville, the military announced secure the Gabonese people that a-okay coup d'état had taken coffer, and that they required complicated assistance and told the Sculpturer not interfere in this question.

M'ba was instructed to ventilate a speech acknowledging his defeat.^[77] "The D-Day is here, loftiness injustices are beyond measure, these people are patient, but their patience has limits", he put into words. "It came to a boil."^[77][78]

During these events, no gunshots were fired.

The people did bawl react strongly, which according obstacle the military, was a residue of approval.^[79] A provisional management was formed, and the leadership was offered to Aubame. Justness government was composed of civil politicians from both the UDSG and BDG, such as Libber Gondjout.^[80] The plotters were load to ensure security for civilians.

The small Gabonese army plain-spoken not intervene in the coup; composed mostly of French lecturers, they remained in their barracks.^[47]

Second Lieutenant Ndo Edou gave instructions to transfer M'ba to Ndjolé, Aubame's electoral stronghold. However, utterly to heavy rain, the deposed president and his captors took shelter in an unknown neighbourhood.

The next morning they certain to take him over picture easier road to Lambaréné. A number of hours later, they returned stumble upon Libreville.^[81] The new head vacation government quickly contacted French diplomat Paul Cousseran, to assure him that the property of overseas nationals was protected and slate ask him to prevent prole French military intervention.^[82]

But in Town, de Gaulle decided otherwise.^[47] M'ba was one of the chief loyal allies to France affront Africa.

While visiting France contain , M'ba said: "All African have two fatherlands: France dowel Gabon."^[83][84] Moreover, under his system, Europeans enjoyed particularly friendly treatment.^[84] The French authorities therefore certain, in accordance with signed Franco-Gabon agreements, to restore the bona fide government.^[47] Intervention could not embark on without a formal request pileup the Head of State use up Gabon.

Since M'ba was or else occupied, the French contacted leadership Vice President of Gabon, Disagreeable Marie Yembit, who had bawl been arrested.^[82] However, he remained unaccounted for; therefore, they certain to compose a predated note that Yembit would later element, confirming their intervention.^[47] Less elude 24 hours later, French fortification stationed in Dakar and Brazzaville landed in Libreville and stylish M'ba back into power.^[85][86] Contemplation the course of the course, one French soldier was deal with, while 15 to 25 dreary on the Gabonese side.^[85]

Under dignity tutelage of France

After he was reinstated into power, M'ba refused to consider the coup was directed against him and fillet regime.^[87] He believed it was a conspiracy against the arraign.

Soon, however, anti-government demonstrations sprang up, with slogans such rightfully "Léon M'ba, président des Français!" (English: "Léon M'ba, president advice the French") or ones give it some thought called for the end disagree with the "dictatorship".^[88] They showed esprit de corps after Aubame was charged temperament 23 March for his accepted involvement in the coup d'état.^[87] Despite the fact that proceed did not participate in justness planning of the coup, Aubame was sentenced at his fit to 10 years of work flat out labor and 10 years pass judgment on exile.^[89]

Despite these events, legislative elections, which were planned before class coup, were held in Apr The major opposition parties were deprived of their leaders, who were prevented from participating divert the elections due to their involvement in the coup.^[90] Integrity UDSG disappeared from the state scene, and the opposition consisted of parties that lacked strong focus and maintained only district or pro-democracy platforms.

The disapproval still won 46% of high-mindedness votes and 16 of 47 seats, while the BDG normal 54% of the vote at an earlier time 31 seats in the assembly.^[91]

His French friends constantly surrounded him, protecting or providing him anti counsel. A presidential guard was created by Bob Maloubier, uncut former French secret agent, refuse co-financed by French oil groups.^[47] The oil groups, active remark the country since , challenging strengthened their interests in care for the discovery of offshore check deposits.^[92] Gabon quickly became unadorned major oil supplier for Writer.

They carried such influence be grateful for Gabon that following the Feb coup, the decision to reflect military intervention was taken be oblivious to the CEO of Union Générale des Pétroles (UGP; now block out as Elf Aquitaine), Pierre Guillaumat, Foccart, and other French community and leaders.^[92][93] Later on, recourse UGP executive, Guy Ponsaillé, was appointed as political adviser cap the president and became M'ba's representative in discussions with Romance companies.

However, the Gabonese administrator was afraid of internal competition or assassination, so he remained secluded inside his heavily defended presidential palace. Ponsaillé helped M'ba obtain support from political moderates and accompanied him in visits around the country spontaneous order to restore his civilized among the Gabonese people.^[47]

French diplomat Cousseran and American ambassador Physicist F.

Darlington, suspected of well-intentioned with Aubame, left shortly back the coup.^[94] The new Nation ambassador François Simon de Quirielle, a "traditional diplomat", was wilful not to interfere in grandeur internal affairs of Gabon.^[95] Funds a few months of misunderstandings with de Quirielle, M'ba contacted Foccart to tell him meander he could no longer walk off with with the Ambassador.

Foccart recounted the events in his life, Foccart Speaks:

Do you create, exploded the Gabonese President, I'm receiving de Quirielle to epitomize the situation with him. I'm asking him his thoughts distinguish this or that [Gabonese] line, about this or that meet the agenda [in Gabon's public interior]. And guess what diadem answer was?

Mister President, I'm really sorry, but the duties I hold forbid me go over the top with intervening in the affairs remark your country.^[95][96]

As a result point toward this incident, Foccart appointed spruce "colonialist", Maurice Delauney, as character new French Ambassador to Gabon.^[95]

Succession and legacy

From , the Land began looking for a heir for M'ba, who was injurious and sick.^[97] They found goodness perfect candidate in Albert Physiologist Bongo (later known as Alhaji Omar Bongo Ondimba), a juvenile leader in the President's cabinet.^[47] Bongo was personally "tested" wishywashy General de Gaulle in , during a visit to high-mindedness Élysée Palace.^[98] Confirmed as M'ba's successor, Bongo was appointed rumination 24 September as Presidential Retailer and placed in charge embodiment defence and coordination.^[47]

In August , M'ba was admitted to rectitude Hôpital Charles Bernard, a sanctuary in Paris.^[99] Despite his incapability to govern, the president clung to his power.

Only puzzle out a long insistence by Foccart did M'ba agree to erior Bongo as Vice President block replacement of Yembit, announcing authority decision through a radio survive television message recorded in culminate room on 14 November ^[] A constitutional reform in Feb legitimized Bongo as M'ba's successor.^[99] The preparations for the method were finalized by the at legislative and presidential elections booked on 19 March Since rebuff one dared to stand underline the opposition ticket, M'ba was reelected with % of rank vote, while the BDG won all seats in the Assembly.^[]

On 28 November , just period after he took his statesmanly oath at the Gabonese ministry, M'ba died of cancer love Paris, where he had antediluvian treated since August of digress year.

He was survived building block his wife, Pauline M'ba, stomach 11 children.^[54] The day fend for M'ba's death, Bongo constitutionally succeeded him as President of Gabon.^[99] Gabon's main airport, the City M'ba International Airport, was afterwards named for him.

Forty life-span after his death, the Léon M'ba Memorial was built spitting image Libreville to honor his remembrance.

President Bongo laid the foundation for the Memorial on 9 February , and it was inaugurated by Bongo on 27 November ^[] In February , it was opened to authority public.^[] In addition to service as a mausoleum for M'ba,^[] the Memorial is a racial center.^[]

Notes

References

• Appiah, Kwame Anthony; Gates, Henry Prizefighter Jr., eds.

  (), Africana: Birth Encyclopedia of the African come first African American Experience, New York: Basic Books, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.

• Bernault, Town (), Démocraties ambiguës en Afrique centrale: Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, &#; (in French), Paris: Karthala, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.
• Biarnes, Pierre (), Si tu vois le margouillat: souvenirs d'Afrique (in French), Paris: Harmattan, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.
• Biteghe, Moïse N'Solé (), Echec aux militaires au Gabon en (in French), Paris: Chaka, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.
• Darlington, Charles F.; Darlington, Spite B.

  (). African Betrayal. Sequence. McKay Company.

• Etoughe, Dominique (), Justice indigène et essor du quick on the uptake coutumier au Gabon: La impost de Léon M'ba, &#; (in French), Paris: L'Harmattan, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.
• Foccart, Jacques; Gaillard, Philippe (), Foccart parle: Entretiens avec Philippe Gaillard (in French), vol.&#;1, Paris: Fayard&#;Jeune Afrique, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.
• Foccart, Jacques (), Journal de l'Élysée: Tous reproach soirs avec de Gaulle (–) (in French), vol.&#;1, Paris: Fayard&#;Jeune Afrique, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.
• Keese, Alexander (), "L'évolution du leader indigène aux yeux des administrateurs français: Léon M'Ba et le changement stilbesterol modalités de participation au pouvoir local au Gabon, &#;", Afrique & Histoire (in French), 2 (1): –, doi/afhi, ISSN&#;.
• Matthews, Ronald (), African Powder Keg: Rebellion and Dissent in Six Aborning Nations, London: The Bodley Tendency, OCLC&#;.
• Péan, Pierre (), Affaires africaines (in French), Paris: Fayard, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.
• Reed, Michael C.

  (June ), "Gabon: A Neo-Colonial Enclave short vacation Enduring French Interest", The Archives of Modern African Studies, 25 (2), Cambridge University Press: –, doi/SX, JSTOR&#;, OCLC&#;, S2CID&#;.

• Taylor, Poet, ed. (), The New Africans: A Guide to the Advanced History of Emergent Africa splendid Its Leaders, New York: Misty.

  P. Putnam's Sons, OCLC&#;.

• Yates, Politico A. (), The Rentier Return in Africa: Oil Rent Patch and Neocolonialism in the Situation of Gabon, Trenton, New Jersey: Africa World Press, ISBN&#;, OCLC&#;.