Commonwealth Imposes Partial Suspension On Gabon.

By Ferdinand Olise

The Commonwealth has announced a partial suspension of Gabon following the August 30, 2023 military coup in the country.

The decision was reached during the 63rd Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where issues concerning development of member states were discussed.

The meeting was chaired by the Samoa’s Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Tourism, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa.
The meeting also featured Ministers from Barbados, Rwanda, Ghana, Canada, Mauritius, and representatives from Belize, Malaysia, and Malta.

The Ministers collectively expressed their concerns, and strongly condemn the unconstitutional removal of the country’s democratically elected government.
They also advocated for the restoration of democracy.

According a statement by the Commonwealth, “In accordance with the steps set out in the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on the Harare Declaration, the Ministers decided to partially suspend Gabon from the Commonwealth pending the restoration of democracy,”

“This partial suspension entails suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth, and the exclusion of Gabon from all Commonwealth intergovernmental meetings and events, including ministerial meetings, and CHOGM.”

The Ministers stated that there would be a deliberation on the possibility of a complete suspension of Gabon if significant progress is not achieved within a two-year period.

The group had also called on the Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, to maintain her good engagement with Gabon, which includes offering technical assistance so as to address the situation and facilitate the return of democracy in Gabon.

According to the statement, the Group called on Gabon, as a Commonwealth member, to uphold the values and principles of the Commonwealth, and to hold credible elections as soon as possible within a maximum of two years.

They also called on Gabon to ensure the safety, health, and human rights of the former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, his family members, and members of his Government.