Ali Bongo Ondimba

“If every country's climate policy was driven purely by environmental science, we may have no need for international agreements.”

“No Gabonese must be left by the side of the road.”

“I've decided with the full agreement of my wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and my children that my share of the inheritance will be shared with all Gabonese youth because in my eyes, we are all heirs of Omar Bongo Ondimba.”

“Our elephants are under siege because of an illegal international market that has driven ivory prices in the region up significantly. I call upon the international community to join us in this fight.”

“Although we live in a safe and stable country, Central Africa as a region has been held back by seemingly perpetual conflict - over power, resources, and who controls them.”

“My government has taken significant measures to enable the rise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in our country.”

“Those who were fortunate enough to have the support of their parents or the state must in turn be generous, in solidarity, especially in hard times.”

“I want to make sure that I fulfill the aspirations of the Gabonese people: to have access to a better life, job opportunities, and importantly, for the Gabonese people themselves to take into their own hands the development of their own country.”

“As the leader of an oil-producing nation, I know how hard it can be to prioritize environmental issues, but the short-term risk to our economic security is far outweighed by the potential risk to our national and regional security.”

“We have to diversify our economy. We have to create jobs. We have to focus on education, more training programmes.”

“We must be practical. Talking about trade and other nice things are more soothing to the ear than security. But it won't be until we have sufficient security against internal, regional, and continental threats that we can be sure of real development.”

“After securing security, we can be confident that our achievements will be safeguarded and also have the capacity to construct infrastructure such as regional railways, airports, and highways that will facilitate trade and help us to integrate faster.”

“For our part, Africa will make a significant contribution to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

“Talking about peace might not be exciting... some say you don't eat peace, but without peace, you don't eat at all.”

“We are fighting corruption and all illegal activities and building a culture of transparency and ethical governance.”

“It's important to produce economic development. Fundamentalism develops even faster with misery.”

“Climate change is a security threat that Africans have had to deal with all of our lives.”

“I developed the armed forces, especially in a way that improved living and working conditions. My record is there.”

“As we look to the future, we cannot improve our living standards while simultaneously degrading the natural environment around us.”

“Ever since I was defense minister, I have participated in global meetings on the issue of climate and security.”