The African Union (AU) has officially reinstated Gabon as a full member following a review of the country’s political transition, which has been deemed successful. The decision, announced by the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) on Wednesday, marks the end of the country’s suspension, which was imposed after last year’s military coup.
At its 1,277th meeting, the PSC assessed Gabon’s progress toward restoring constitutional order. Chairperson Rebecca Amuge Otengo confirmed that the political transition, which followed the August 2023 coup, had been largely successful and met the AU’s expectations for stability and governance.
In her statement, Otengo highlighted the AU’s decision to lift all sanctions against Gabon, allowing the country to fully participate in the union’s activities. Gabon had been suspended from the AU after the military takeover on August 30, 2023, which ousted long-serving President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Foreign Minister Regis Onanga Ndiaye, addressing the media from the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, expressed pride in his country’s return to the AU fold. “On behalf of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, it is with great honor that I announce Gabon’s return to the African family,” he said. Ndiaye underscored that this reinstatement enables Gabon to once again engage fully in regional and international discussions led by the AU.
The lifting of the sanctions allows Gabon to participate in major AU meetings and contribute to shaping continental policies. This return to the AU also signifies a broader re-engagement of Gabon on the global stage.
Gabon had faced multiple sanctions after the coup led by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, which was widely criticized by the international community. However, the country has since held a presidential election, in which Nguema secured a landslide victory, receiving 94.85% of the vote. This result has been seen as a sign of the country’s commitment to returning to constitutional governance.
The official inauguration of Nguema, who now serves as the transitional president, is scheduled for May 3, 2025, in Libreville. His inauguration will mark the formal end of the transitional period and the beginning of a new chapter for Gabon under a renewed focus on stability, governance, and integration within the African Union.
The AU’s decision to reinstate Gabon reflects a broader commitment to supporting peaceful transitions of power and ensuring the continent’s political stability, while also reinforcing the principles of constitutional democracy within its member states.