A massive parade of security agencies and civil society, was on Friday held in the Gabonese capital, Libreville, to celebrate 47 years of the country's political independence.

Also on display were long columns of tactical military vehicles and equipment acquired for the army and gendarmerie.

President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the AU, and seven other African leaders from Chad, the Congo Republic, Senegal, Cameron, Sao Tome and Principe, Central African Republic and Togo attended to show solidarity with Gabon and add grandeur to the event, described as the most "colourful" in the oil-rich nation's history.

As contingents of the army, gendarmerie, police and other security personnel as well as civil society organizations and voluntary groups including the Ghanaian community, went on the march, jet fighters flew, performing spectacular flight manoeuvring and drawing loud cheers from the big gathering.

Lawyer Bernard Aubyan Mbah, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, said the huge turn out sent a "powerful message of national pride and unity."

Gabon, a former French colony, gained independence on August 17, 1960, with Leon Mba, as first President.

President Omar Bongo, its current leader, is Africa's longest serving Head of State and has ruled this Central Africa country with a population of less than three million, for 40 out of the 47 years of independence.


Source: GNA/Kwaku Osei Bonsu