Longest-serving African leader still rules

French and Gabonese media reports Gabon's longest serving president Omar Bongo's death has been denied by Spanish officials.

Spain's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday, that president Bongo was still alive.

Gabonese Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong said he had met the president as he "deplored" French media for the misinformation. Ndong pledged to lodge a complaint about the 'leaks' to French authorities.

"This morning I visited the President, accompanied by the President of the National Assembly, the Foreign Minister, the head of the President's cabinet and senior members of the presidential family and after a meeting with the medical team we can confirm that the President is alive," Ndong said in a statement.

73 year old Bonogo is in Barcelona's Quiron hospital, receiving treatment for intestinal cancer undergoing a "comprehensive health check" said the Prime Minister.

Bongo came to power in 1967, imposing a one party rule until 1991. However, his party has managed to be in power regardless.

During the time that Bongo receives treatment in Spain Vice President Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge functions as acting president.