Omar Bongo, the world's longest-serving president whose 42-year rule of Gabon was a throwback to an era when Africa was ruled by "Big Men," died June 8. He was 73.

The government responded to Bongo's death at a hospital in Spain by closing Gabon's international airport, and the nation's land and sea borders. Security forces took up positions in front of government buildings and electrical installations in Libreville, the capital.

The constitution calls for the head of the Senate to assume power and for presidential elections within 90 days. There has been widespread speculation that one of Bongo's sons would try to seize power upon his father's death as happened in nearby Togo.