French buildings have been targeted in protests in the wake of the election and it is being claimed that France, the former colonial power, helped to fix it so that Bongo won.
According to the French news agency AFP, President Sarkozy's letter was shown to the press and it says:
"Following the announcement by the constitutional court of the presidential election results, I am happy to address to you my congratulations and wishes of success in fulfilling the responsibilities that await you."
Ali Ben Bongo’s father, Omar, had ruled Gabon for forty years.
