Gabon’s Partial Ban is Lifted By the Commonwealth After the April Presidential Poll

After Gabon’s recent presidential election, the country has been granted full Commonwealth membership again. Following a Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group meeting on Tuesday, the organization made the statement.

In September 2023, a month after a coup overthrew Ali Bongo Ondimba’s elected government, Gabon was suspended in part from the 56-nation organization. Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the coup, received nearly 95% of the vote in the April presidential election.

The Commonwealth agreed to lift Gabon’s partial suspension after finding the poll to be inclusive, transparent, and credible.

Reiterating its condemnation of any unconstitutional overthrow of a legitimately elected government, the CMAG praised Gabon’s return to constitutional democracy and emphasized that “such action violates the democratic principles at the heart of the Commonwealth and is a serious breach of the Commonwealth Charter.”

It stated that while the committee strives to fulfill its responsibilities under the Commonwealth Charter, Gabon would continue to be on its agenda. The Commonwealth, which has its roots in the British Empire, is now accessible to all nations. The two newest members, Togo and Gabon, joined in 2022.

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