Thursday, May 1, 2025 - The African Union has lifted sanctions imposed on Gabon following the August 2023 military coup, signaling renewed acceptance of the central African nation into continental affairs. The decision was announced Wednesday after the AU’s Peace and Security Council assessed Gabon’s political transition and found it “generally successful.”
Gabon was suspended from the AU after General Brice Oligui
Nguema ousted longtime President Ali Bongo in a bloodless coup, ending the
Bongo family's 55-year rule. At the time, the African Union condemned the
takeover and imposed sanctions in line with its zero-tolerance stance on
unconstitutional changes of government.
Oligui, who pledged to return the country to civilian rule
after a two-year transitional period, was elected president earlier this month
with over 94 percent of the vote, amid limited opposition. The AU’s Department
of Political Affairs, Peace and Security confirmed on X that the recent review
of Gabon’s transition process led to the conclusion that the country could now
“immediately resume her participation in the activities” of the organization.
President Oligui welcomed the AU's decision in a statement
posted to Facebook, saying he felt “a deep sense of pride” and described the
move as recognition of the Gabonese people’s effort to rebuild the nation “in
peace, order and dignity.”
The lifting of sanctions also follows diplomatic efforts,
including a key meeting last year between Oligui and Ivorian President Alassane
Ouattara, during which Oligui sought regional support to reintegrate Gabon into
the African Union.
Despite its oil wealth, Gabon’s population of 2.3 million
continues to face widespread unemployment, infrastructure challenges, and
government debt. The new constitution adopted under Oligui’s administration
expands presidential powers, prompting cautious international monitoring of the
country’s democratic trajectory.
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