A Few Words From Gabon ...

"We must form a united front against the exploitation of man by man; we must cure ourselves of our complexes by a supranational awareness, a national consciousness. Our ridiculous diversions are profitable only to the great powers, which exploit our weaknesses."

Gabriel Léon M'Ba, first president of Gabon (17 August 1960 to 28 November 1967), as quoted in Osei Amoah's A Political Dictionary of Black Quotations, published in London, 1989.

"These summits are a waste of time. All anyone does is talk. Sometimes, sitting there, listening to all the talk, I think I will scream."

El Hadj Omar Bongo, president of Gabon since 1967, as quoted in David Lamb's The Africans, published in New York, 1985.