Gabon President Omar Bongo Ondimba, the longest-serving ruler in Africa, has passed away at 73. He had been undergoing treatment in a Spanish clinic for what several sources say was cancer.

Bongo has headed the former French colony since 1967, though he actually began serving in the Gabonese government in 1965.

“He was a great figure of Africa,” a “man who had influence,” said French Defence Minister Herve Morin when informed of the report by French television.

Edith Lucie Bongo Odimba, the late president’s wife and daughter of Congo President Nguesso, passed away back in March. She was 45.