Gabon's President Omar Bongo, who has served 39 years in office, says he plans to run for re-election again in 2012.
The president of the West African country made the comments in an interview with Radio France International that aired Monday.
Mr. Bongo said he has no apparent successor, and that he will be a candidate for the 2012 election if, in his words, God gives him strength. He turns 71 in December.
Mr. Bongo has led Gabon since 1967, making him Africa's longest serving leader. He was re-elected last December, winning comfortably with 79 percent of the vote.
Mr. Bongo also won elections in 1993 and 1998, after years of running a one-party state.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.