Gabon's president pledges to give away fortune to the youths

In a speech to mark the Gabon's 55th independence anniversary, President Ali Bongo, has pledged to give away all the money he inherited from his father, to set up a foundation for the country's youths. "In my eyes we are all heirs of Omar Bongo," he said in a national address.

His father who ruled for 41 years until his death in 2009, reportedly left a fortune worth millions of dollars. French judges are currently probing the Bongo family over alleged embezzlement, accusations which they strongly deny.
He said that in addition to his inheritance money for the youth foundation, the family would be donating a building in the capital, Libreville, to start a new university. "No Gabonese must be left by the side of the road," he added

Two lavish mansions belonging to Omar Bongo in the French capital, Paris, would also be given to the state, he said. "I know my father, from where he is now, watches us and hears us. I also know that he approves this decision and gives us his blessing," the AFP news agency quotes President Bongo.

Allegations of corruption have swirled around Omar Bongo for many years. The landmark 'case of the ill-gotten gains' was launched in France in 2010 after a lengthy campaign by corruption watchdog Transparency International.

A revealing report states that the Bongo family assets includes 39 properties in France, located in affluent areas of Paris and on the French Riviera, as well as nine luxury cars, including Ferraris and Mercedes.

Ali Bongo won presidential elections in September 2009, making him the country's third president since independence from France in 1960.
Gotten from BBCAfrica.