NEW : Defense Ministry closing all of the country 's ports after leader 's death . He imposed one-party rule a year after succeeding the country 's first president , who died in office . Bongo took power in 1967 , seven years after Gabon 's independence from France . Comment: Earlier Monday , there had been conflicting reports about the state of Bongo 's health .
NEW : Defense Ministry closing all of the country 's ports after leader 's death . Bongo took power in 1967 , seven years after Gabon 's independence from France . Comment: Earlier Monday , there had been conflicting reports about the state of Bongo 's health .