ALAIN BERNARD BONGO is the first son of OMAR BONGO. In 1973, when his father converted into Islam , he was then called : ALI BEN BONGO . He studied in france , at college protestant des cevennes . His High School Studies were done at College Sainte Croix de Neuilly - sur- Seine- then he went to the University in Paris 1 Pantheon -sorbonne.

Back to gabon , ALI BEN BONGO started working in his father's cabinet, from 1987 to 1989.from 1989 to 1991, he became minister of foreign affairs of the government of CASIMIR OYE MBA- Due to his age , he had to resign. the 1991 constitution requires to be at least 35 years -old to exercise ministerial fnctions- but ALI BONGO was only 32 years-old.

In 1990, ALI BONGO was a candidate to the legislative and was elected as Deputy in the region of Haut - Ogooue.

From february 1999 until the 2009 presidential elections, he was minister of defense.