By John Ikani
Gabon has been placed under partial suspension by the Commonwealth following a military coup that saw President Ali Bongo ousted from power.
The decision was reached during a meeting of Commonwealth foreign ministers held alongside the United Nations General Assembly.
Leaders within the Commonwealth urged Gabon to stand by the organization’s values and principles, stressing the importance of holding credible elections promptly.
The Gabonese military removed Mr. Bongo from office shortly after he was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election. This marked the end of his tenure, which began in 2009 when he succeeded his father, who had ruled the nation for 41 years.
Initially placed under house arrest as military leaders assumed control, Mr. Bongo was later granted permission to travel abroad for medical check-ups.
The Commonwealth ministers, convening as the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, have requested that Gabon ensures the safety of Mr. Bongo and his family.
In a statement, they strongly condemned the unconstitutional removal of the elected government and suspended Gabon from all Commonwealth intergovernmental meetings and events, including ministerial and heads of government meetings.
The suspension is to remain in place “pending the restoration of democracy.”
The interim prime minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, assumed office in September after General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the coup against Mr. Bongo, became Gabon’s transitional president.
Speaking with the BBC, Mr. Sima articulated the need for fresh elections in the country within a two-year timeframe.
Commonwealth ministers set a deadline for Gabon’s new leadership, requiring them to organize credible elections within two years from 30th August 2023.
If substantial progress is not evident within this period, the possibility of Gabon’s removal from the Commonwealth looms.
Despite widespread international condemnation of the coup, emanating from African and Western leaders alike, the change in leadership has garnered support among many Gabonese citizens.
Skepticism had arisen within Gabon regarding President Ali Bongo’s bid for a third term, with allegations of widespread electoral irregularities made by the opposition.
In addition, concerns had arisen about his capacity to provide effective leadership following a stroke he suffered in October 2018.
