Gabon foreign minister dies of cardiac arrest in cabinet meeting

Michael Moussa Adamo was a longtime ally of President Bongo, even earlier than he grew to become president in 2009.

President Bongo described Gabon's overseas minister Michael Moussa Adamo as 'an incredible diplomat, a real statesman' [File: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters]

Gabon’s Minister of Overseas Affairs Michael Moussa Adamo died of a coronary heart assault throughout a cupboard assembly, in accordance with the federal government and a presidential supply.

The 62-year-old who was an ally of President Ali Bongo Ondimba died “regardless of efforts by specialists” to revive him, the federal government stated in a short assertion on Friday.

A supply near the presidential palace stated that he “had sat down firstly of the cupboard assembly and commenced to really feel unwell”, in accordance with AFP.

Moussa Adamo was taken to a navy hospital whereas unconscious however died simply after noon, the supply who spoke on situation of anonymity stated.

President Bongo described Moussa Adamo on Twitter as “an incredible diplomat, a real statesman”.

“For me, he was, to begin with, a pal, loyal and trustworthy, whom I might all the time rely on,” stated Bongo.

Notre ministre des Affaires étrangères, Michael Moussa Adamo, s'en est allé ce jour.
Il était un très grand diplomate, un véritable homme d'Etat.
Pour moi, il était d'abord un ami, loyal et fidèle, sur lequel j'ai toujours pu compter.
C'est une perte immense pour le #Gabon.#RIP

— Ali Bongo Ondimba (@PresidentABO) January 20, 2023

Abdulla Shahid, Adamo’s counterpart within the Maldives, supplied his sympathies to the late minister’s household on Twitter, as effectively.

Shocked and very saddened to listen to of the premature demise of my pricey pal Michael Moussa Adamo, Overseas Minister of #Gabon.

My deepest condolences to his household and family members. And to the Authorities of Gabon on this loss.

I'll miss his friendship and clever advise. pic.twitter.com/ywNizXarJw

— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) January 20, 2023

Moussa Adamo was born in 1961 within the northeastern city of Makokou. He began out as a presenter on nationwide tv and ultimately, in 2000, whereas Bongo was defence minister, Moussa Adamo grew to become chief of employees to the defence minister.

When Bongo was elected president on the demise of his father Omar Bongo Ondimba in 2009, Moussa Adamo served as his particular adviser.

After a decade as Gabon’s ambassador to the USA till 2020, he grew to become first defence minister after which overseas minister in March final 12 months.