On June 6, 2011, the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center hosted H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, at the Atlantic Council. President Bongo gave a keynote speech in which he discussed the changing face of Africa in the 21st century, highlighting especially the reforms which have helped make Gabon an emerging country, as well as U.S.-Africa relations going forward.

The President’s speech came shortly before his official visit with President Obama, and as Gabon assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe gave introductory remarks and Ansari Africa Center Director Dr. J. Peter Pham moderated the question-answer section of the program.President Bongo was inaugurated as Gabon’s third elected head of state in October 2009, after he won multiparty elections in August of that year as the candidate of the Gabonese Democratic Party. He had previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (1989-1991), a member of the National Assembly (1991-1999), and Minister of Defense (1999-2009).

Introduction By

Mr. Frederick Kempe
President and CEO, Atlantic Council

Keynote Address By

H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba
President, Gabonese Republic

Moderated By

Dr. J. Peter Pham
Director, Michael S. Ansari Center, Atlantic Council

Media Coverage

Africa