Gabon - Independence, Economy, Wildlife: Gabon favoured close relations with France and the continued use of French language and culture. It opposed political ties with the other states of sub-Saharan Africa, however, because of dissatisfaction with the previous federation and a desire to develop its natural resources for its own benefit. Attempts by the republic’s first president, Léon M’ba, to institute a single-party regime provoked a rebellion by young military officers in February 1964. But M’ba, who had strong backing from French economic interests, was restored to power by French forces sent on orders from Pres. Charles de Gaulle. The intervention made possible the rise