Gabon's PM to quit

2009-06-15 07:39

Libreville - Gabon's Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong will resign after Thursday's funeral of president Omar Bongo Ondimba, sources close to the government said on Sunday after reports he was about to step down.

Ndong met twice on Sunday with interim President Rose Francine Rogombe, who was sworn in as the nation's first female leader on Wednesday following the death of Bongo, who had ruled the country for 41 years, sources said.

"They agreed on a resignation that would take place at the end of the funeral," said a source close to the prime minister's office.

Sources had indicated on Saturday that Ndong's would resign imminently.

Ndong effectively wrote a letter of resignation after the constitutional court ruled on Friday that the government's functions had ceased automatically when the new president had been sworn in, sources said.

But a source close to the presidency said the ruling could be interpreted in different ways but that it would be better to wait to avoid disturbing Bongo's funeral.

Rogombe has asked the government to come up with a schedule for presidential elections, which according to the constitution must take place within 45 days of the appointment of an interim president.

- SAPA