# Omar Bongo

> Gabonese politician (1935–2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q172083](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q172083)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Bongo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/omar-bongo

## Summary
Omar Bongo was a Gabonese politician who served as the President of Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009. He was a key figure in shaping Gabon's political landscape and was instrumental in establishing the country's higher education system, including the Université Omar Bongo. His leadership spanned over four decades, marking a significant period in Gabon's history.

## Biography
- Born: 1935
- Nationality: Gabonese
- Education: Not specified in the provided source material
- Known for: Leading Gabon as its first president and founding the Université Omar Bongo
- Employer(s): President of Gabon (1967–2009)
- Field(s): Politics, higher education

## Contributions
- Founded the Université Omar Bongo in 1970, a major contribution to Gabon's educational infrastructure.
- Served as the first president of Gabon, overseeing the country's political and economic development from 1967 until his death in 2009.

## FAQs
**What was Omar Bongo's primary role in Gabon?**
Omar Bongo served as the President of Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009, shaping the country's political and educational landscape.

**What notable institutions did Omar Bongo establish?**
Omar Bongo founded the Université Omar Bongo in 1970, which remains a significant institution in Gabon's higher education system.

**What awards did Omar Bongo receive?**
Omar Bongo received the Order of the Equatorial Star, the Order of Agostinho Neto, and was honored as an honorary doctor of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

## Why They Matter
Omar Bongo's presidency marked a pivotal era in Gabon's history, with his leadership influencing the country's political, economic, and educational development. The Université Omar Bongo, established during his tenure, has become a cornerstone of Gabon's higher education system. His long-term rule set a precedent for Gabon's political trajectory, shaping the nation's identity and governance for decades.

## Notable For
- First president of Gabon, serving from 1967 to 2009.
- Founder of the Université Omar Bongo, established in 1970.
- Recipient of the Order of the Equatorial Star, the Order of Agostinho Neto, and an honorary doctorate from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

## Body
### Early Life and Political Career
Omar Bongo was born in 1935 and became a prominent figure in Gabonese politics. He served as the first president of Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009, overseeing the country's development and political stability.

### Educational Contributions
During his presidency, Omar Bongo established the Université Omar Bongo in 1970, which has since become a key institution in Gabon's higher education system. The university has played a crucial role in shaping Gabon's intellectual and academic landscape.

### Awards and Honors
Omar Bongo received several prestigious awards, including the Order of the Equatorial Star, the Order of Agostinho Neto, and an honorary doctorate from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. These honors reflect his significant contributions to Gabon and international recognition of his leadership.

### Legacy
Omar Bongo's presidency left a lasting impact on Gabon, with his policies and institutions continuing to influence the country's political and educational systems. The Université Omar Bongo remains a testament to his vision for higher education in Gabon. His long-term rule set a precedent for Gabon's governance, shaping the nation's identity and development for decades.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Dictionary of African Biography
3. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
4. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154)
5. Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. SNAC
8. Find a Grave
9. Roglo
10. Babelio
11. [Source](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8090056.stm)
12. Who's Who in France
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. LIBRIS. 2013