President Omar Bongo of Gabon has named the campaign manager of his re-election in December as his country's new prime minister.

The new prime minister, Jean-Francois Ntoutoume Emane, will replace Paulin Obame Nguema, who resigned on Friday.

Correspondents say Mr Ntoutoume Emane will have to tackle serious social and economic problems in Gabon, caused by low world oil prices and the mismanagement of timber sales.

The government has closed schools and the main university in the capital, Libreville, following student riots on Friday.