Gabon’s media regulator, the High Authority of Communication (HAC), announced the journalist’s suspension on national television on Thursday

President Ali Bongo of Gabon makes his first live appearance in public nearly 10 months afer sĺfering a stroke, attending ceremonies in the capital Libreville. AFP  j

Gabon has revoked a journalist’s accreditation for two months, accusing him of writing a “false” report that questioned the  state of President Ali Bongo’s health.

There has been widespread speculation about the 60-year-old leader’s ability to rule since he suffered a stroke 10 months ago.

The article by Radio France Internationale (RFI) journalist Yves-Laurent Goma said  Bongo had failed to stand to salute troops during an independence day ceremony in Libreville at the weekend.

Gabon’s media regulator, the High Authority of Communication (HAC), announced the journalist’s suspension on national television on Thursday.

It said his article used “inaccurate information with malicious insinuations… questioning the physical integrity (of Bongo)”, and that Bongo had risen during the ceremony “whenever necessary”.