Commonwealth lifts Gabon partial suspension following April presidential vote
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Gabon fully reinstated into the Commonwealth after democratic presidential elections in April.
Commonwealth Lifts Gabon Suspension After Presidential Election
Gabon’s Commonwealth Status Restored
Gabon has regained its full membership status in the Commonwealth following the country’s recent presidential election. The decision was reached after a high-level meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), the organization confirmed on Tuesday.
Suspension Following Coup
In September 2023, Gabon was partially suspended from the 56-nation Commonwealth after the ousting of President Ali Bongo Ondimba. His removal from office was carried out through a military coup, marking a serious breach of the Commonwealth’s democratic principles.
Brice Oligui Nguema’s Election Victory
The country’s transitional leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup, ran in the presidential election held in April 2025. He emerged victorious with nearly 95 percent of the vote. Despite the landslide, the election was closely monitored by international observers.
Commonwealth Declares Poll Credible
After reviewing the electoral process, the Commonwealth declared the vote to be credible, transparent, and inclusive. Based on this assessment, the group agreed to lift the partial suspension that had been imposed after the coup.
Return to Constitutional Order
The CMAG welcomed Gabon’s transition back to constitutional democracy. In its official statement, the group reiterated its strong condemnation of any unconstitutional removal of an elected government. It emphasized that such actions undermine the fundamental democratic values shared by Commonwealth members.
Ongoing Monitoring to Continue
Though the suspension has been lifted, Gabon will continue to be a subject of ongoing scrutiny by the CMAG. The group emphasized that Gabon must continue working toward fulfilling its obligations under the Commonwealth Charter, which includes commitments to human rights, good governance, and rule of law.
Commonwealth’s Stance on Democratic Principles
The CMAG statement stressed that the Commonwealth would not tolerate violations of its core principles. It called on all members to respect the Charter, warning that unconstitutional actions will remain unacceptable under any circumstances.
Commonwealth’s Expanding Membership
Founded with ties to the British Empire, the Commonwealth has grown beyond its colonial origins. It is now open to any country that upholds its principles. Gabon and Togo were the most recent nations to join the Commonwealth in 2022, marking the group’s growing footprint in West and Central Africa.
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