The resignation of a top aide to President Ali Bongo over a 25-million-euro corruption scandal marks a turning point for the country, Gabon's communications minister said on Tuesday.
The aide, Jean Pierre Oyiba, quit live on national television on Monday evening after allegations that he received funds embezzled from the six-nation Bank of Central African States (BEAC).
Communication Minister Laure Olga Gondjout said Oyiba's resignation showed the rule of law was paramount in Gabon.
"By allowing Mr Jean Pierre Oyiba, who is involved in a court case, to submit to Gabonese justice, Ali Bongo is giving his compatriots and the international community a clear sign of his attachment to good governance and the separation of powers," Gondjout said.
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Bongo, the son of Gabon's late strongman Omar, was sworn in as president in October nearly two months after a hotly disputed election victory.
Bongo has promised to battle corruption, and drastically reduced the number of presidential advisers and ministers.
Oyiba said he had stepped down to protect the reputation of Bongo's government and to concentrate on defending himself against the allegations.
In October Gabon recalled the governor of the BEAC over the embezzlement allegations, and the Jeune Afrique weekly said Oyiba could have received as much as 65.6-million CFA francs (R1.1-million). - AFP
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