The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has lifted Gabon’s partial suspension, marking a cautious endorsement of its return to constitutional order.
The move follows Gabon’s April 12 presidential election, which Commonwealth observers described as credible, transparent, and largely reflective of the voters’ will.
In a virtual meeting, CMAG reaffirmed its commitment to the Commonwealth’s core democratic principles and strongly condemned the unlawful removal of elected governments.
The group labelled such acts as grave violations of the Commonwealth Charter and emphasised that democracy must remain at the heart of national governance.
While welcoming progress, CMAG agreed to keep Gabon on its agenda and urged the country to strengthen the rule of law, separation of powers, and good governance.
It called on the Commonwealth secretary-general to remain engaged and recommended Gabon make full use of Commonwealth resources to support democratic stability.
Gabonese officials reportedly expressed gratitude for the organisation’s continued support and engagement in their political transition.
On April 12, transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema won the presidential election with nearly 95% of the vote, formalising his leadership.
Nguema, 50, had seized power in an August 2023 military coup that toppled President Ali Bongo, ending the family’s 56-year rule over the oil-rich nation.
The CMAG’s decision signals guarded optimism about Gabon’s political future, tempered by calls for deeper democratic reforms.
