Libreville, 09 June-(ANA)-The son of the late Gabonese President Omar Bongo has appealed for calm following his father's death.
Defence Minister Ali-Ben Bongo, who made the comments in a televised address, is seen as a leading candidate to succeed his father.
Earlier, the defence ministry said it was closing Gabon's borders and that it was deploying security forces across the country.
Omar Bongo was Africa's longest serving leader when he died at 73.
His death was confirmed by Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong in a written statement.
There had been conflicting reports earlier on Monday about whether Mr Bongo, who had led Gabon since 1967, had died in a Spanish clinic.
Under the constitution, the leader of the Senate, Rose Francine Rogombe, an ally of Mr Bongo, should take over as interim leader and organise elections within 45 days.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his sadness over the death of Mr Bongo. He said France was "standing by the people of Gabon and its institutions, at this difficult time".
Gabon under Mr Bongo has maintained close economic and political ties to France, the former colonial power. (ANA)
Noble Pease Prize/Nagasaki survivor