Gabon has been fully reinstated as a member of the Commonwealth following the country’s recent presidential election, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) confirmed on Tuesday.
The decision comes after Gabon was partially suspended from the 56-nation bloc in September 2023, following the military coup that deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The suspension was imposed in response to the unconstitutional seizure of power, which violated the Commonwealth’s core principles of democracy and governance.
Earlier this year, Gabon took a key step toward restoring democratic order. In April, transitional leader General Brice Oligui Nguema secured a decisive victory in the presidential election, winning nearly 95% of the vote. The Commonwealth reviewed the election process and deemed it credible, transparent, and inclusive, paving the way for the lifting of the suspension.
In a statement, CMAG welcomed Gabon’s return to constitutional democracy, but also reaffirmed its strong opposition to coups and the overthrow of legitimate governments.
“Unconstitutional changes of government contradict the democratic values at the core of the Commonwealth and represent a grave breach of the Commonwealth Charter,” the group emphasized.
Though Gabon’s full membership has been restored, CMAG noted that the country will remain under continued observation as it works to fulfill its commitments to democratic governance and uphold the values outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.
Gabon, along with Togo, became a member of the Commonwealth in 2022, despite neither country having colonial ties to the United Kingdom. Their inclusion reflects the evolving nature of the Commonwealth, which now welcomes nations beyond its traditional historical connections to the British Empire.
