Fans of corrupt African dictator Omar Bongo are still in shock and mourning after Mr. Bongo's death June 8, 2009, at a private clinic in Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Bongo had administered the central African nation of Gabon as a cash-cow for himself and his friends ever since he assumed the Presidency in 1967.

Gabon's economy depends almost entirely on income from off-shore oil deposits, but even in comparison with other petrol-economies, Gabon's level of dependence on oil is freakishly complete.

Only 1 per cent of its land is cultivated and Gabon produces virtually no food. Instead, basics such as tomatoes are imported from France, the former colonial master, and neighbouring Cameroon, pushing prices so high that Libreville, the capital, is the world's eighth most expensive city, according to Employment Conditions Abroad International.

Although average income in Gabon is $14,400, comparable to Portugal, most of the population still lives in abject poverty, because of systemic corruption at every level of government. Mr. Bongo himself was the proud owner of a $30 million mansion in Paris, as well as 32 other properties elsewhere in France, including four villas in Nice.

30% of the people of Gabon earn less than $1 per day.

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