African Union lifts sanctions against Gabon for returning to political governance after 2023 coup

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) — The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) lifted the suspension of Gabon from the activities of the continental body on Wednesday, along with the sanctions imposed following the 2023 coup in the Central African nation, with immediate effect.

Gabon was suspended from all activities of the AU and its organs in 2023, the day after the military ousted former President Ali Bongo, as a punishment for the unconstitutional change of governance.

The suspension was to stay until the effective restoration of constitutional order, under the relevant AU instruments.

In a post on X, the PSC said the decision was reached after a meeting on the political transition of Gabon which reviewed the processes of restoration of constitutional order and found them to be generally successful.

Gabon’s Foreign Minister Regis Onanga Ndiaye welcomed the decision, describing it as a “country’s pride to regain its place on the continental scene.”

He noted that the AU's decision recognized the Gabonese authorities' significant efforts, including the organization of credible presidential elections and their stated willingness to comply with democratic requirements.

Ndiaye also affirmed Gabon's renewed commitment to democracy, peace, sustainable development, and African solidarity.

Gabon held a presidential election on April 12 in which Transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema was declared the winner with 94.85% of the vote.

Nguema, 50, spearheaded a military coup in Gabon in August 2023 that ousted former President Ali Bongo, ending the so-called 56-year Bongo dynasty in the oil-producing Central African nation.