Gabon's President Ali Bongo has promised new jobs for young people in his state of the nation address to mark 60 years of Gabon's independence. The oil-rich country gained its independence from France in 1960 and has been ruled by the Bongo family dynasty since 1967, when Omar Bongo came to power. As the country celebrates the 60 years milestone, questions are still lingering as to whether the West African country has ever made a clean break from the former colonial ruler in light of the French influence which still permeates much of Gabonese life. For more on the significance of Gabon's independence anniversary Channel Africa’s Khumbelo Munzhelele spoke to Professor Douglas Yates, an expert on Gabon.