Gabon's presidency said Monday that a recent speech showed leader Ali Bongo was "firmly in control" of the country after he suffered a stroke 10 months ago that fuelled speculation about his ability to rule.
The opposition has claimed that President Bongo is unfit to lead after the stroke in October, and his every move is now scrutinised for signs of his state of health.
On Friday, the 60-year-old made his first public appearance outside the presidential palace since returning home in March after falling ill.
"The president is at the wheel, he is in command," presidency spokesman Ike Ngouoni said at a press conference in the capital Libreville.
"The president works not only to prove he is in control, everyone can notice, everyone can see that today he is on the job every day."
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