President Bongo was reportedly displeased by Ngari's electoral competition with his son in 1996.

President Bongo had entrusted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to close relatives since 1981.

Following President Bongo's re-election in December 1993 with 51% of the vote, opposition candidates refused to validate the election results.

In the spirit of transparency, President Bongo also had the civil service audited.

He was also a ministerial delegate and adviser to President Bongo from 1978 to 1981.

President Bongo died on 8 June 2009.

President Bongo, who had "an almost paternal relationship" with Adiahénot, died in June 2009.

President Bongo has remained involved in the continuing Congolese peace process.

Opposition to President Bongo's regime first appeared in the late 1970s, as economic difficulties became more acute for the Gabonese.

When oil prices fell in the late 1980s, opposition to President Bongo increased, culminating in demonstrations in 1990.