“I also recall with great appreciation the contributions he made to the establishment of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, which has been a force for development and stability in the sub-region,” Mr. Ban said during the Assembly’s tribute.

The Secretary-General also voiced appreciation for the late leader’s “enduring commitment to the United Nations.”

He said that President Bongo’s understanding of the many complex and delicate challenges faced by the UN proved “consistently useful to all of us involved in conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace consolidation in Africa.”

Mr. Ban offered his condolences to the President’s family, as well as the Government and people of Gabon.

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Ban mourns death of Gabonese leader