Gabon Coup: Commonwealth Sec-Gen Meets Nguema, Bongo, Other Stakeholders.
By Caroline Ameh
In an effort to gain insight into the current political landscape of Gabon, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, embarked on a three-day fact-finding mission in the country. During her visit, she met with General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who assumed the role of transitional president following the military takeover on August 30, 2023. Additionally, she held discussions with the ousted President, Ali Bongo, at his residence in Libreville on September 7, 2023.
The Secretary-General’s engagements extended to various stakeholders, including civil society representatives, political parties, Commonwealth High Commissioners, and diplomats within Gabon. These interactions are crucial in shaping a comprehensive report that will be presented to Commonwealth member states.
Patricia Scotland emphasized the importance of gathering input from all parties, stating, “It is important to listen to everyone to get a balanced assessment of the situation before I prepare my report, which will be shared with Commonwealth member countries.”
To provide context, the military coup in Gabon occurred on August 30, shortly after President Ali Bongo’s controversial re-election for a third term. The coup leaders appointed General Nguema as the transitional government’s chairman and president, while Ali Bongo was placed under house arrest in Libreville.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General had previously expressed deep concern over the illegal takeover of power in Gabon, underlining the Commonwealth Charter’s principles of upholding the rule of law and democracy within member states. The Commonwealth Secretariat continues to closely monitor the situation in Gabon.
