Ali Bongo

Ali Bongo Ondimba was born on February 9, 1959, and embarked on a political career that saw him hold several key positions during his father's long presidency. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1989 to 1991 and subsequently represented Bongoville as a Deputy in the National Assembly from 1991 to 1999. His portfolio expanded when he became Minister of Defense, a role he held from 1999 until 2009. During this period, he married Sylvia Najma Valentin in 1989 and Inge Lynn Collins in 1994. His political ascent continued within the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), of which he later became President. Following the death of his father, Omar Bongo, in 2009, Ali Bongo Ondimba was nominated as the Gabonese Democratic Party's candidate for the presidential election held in August 2009. He secured victory with 42% of the vote, according to official results, and assumed the presidency in October 2009. As president, he engaged in international diplomacy, notably meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on June 9, 2011.