Gabon's Bongo in London for 'routine medical checks' -- presidency
Sep 04, 2019
Bongo's health has been the subject of fierce speculation, as the Gabonese leader has made few appearances and spoken only a few words in public
Ali Bongo. File Photo
Gabon's President Ali Bongo Ondimba is undergoing "routine medical checks" in London during a private trip with his family, his presidency said on Monday, nearly a year after he suffered a stroke.
Bongo's health has been the subject of fierce speculation, as the Gabonese leader has made few appearances and spoken only a few words in public since returning in March after treatment overseas.
The 60-year-old leader suffered a stroke last October while visiting Saudi Arabia.
"At no time has the president's health deteriorated, on the contrary ... Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba is on his way to recovering his full physical abilities," the statement from the presidency said.
Gabon's government vigorously denied a Bloomberg news agency report on Monday, which cited sources familiar with the matter saying Bongo was hospitalised in London with his condition deteriorating.
"The President of the Republic is not hospitalized (...) but is on a private stay in his London residence where he took a few days off with his family," the statement said. "He is performing routine medical checks and continues his rehabilitation."
It said the Gabonese president remains in charge of the country and would return home soon.