Gabon has regained full membership in the Commonwealth following its recent presidential election.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).
The Central African nation was partially suspended from the 56-member organization in September 2023, one month after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was deposed in a military coup.
In April 2025, coup leader Brice Oligui Nguema secured the presidency with nearly 95% of the vote. The Commonwealth deemed the election to be credible, transparent, and inclusive, prompting the removal of Gabon’s suspension.
Welcoming Gabon’s return to constitutional democracy, the CMAG reaffirmed its firm opposition to the unconstitutional removal of elected governments.
It emphasized that such actions “violate the democratic principles at the heart of the Commonwealth and represent a serious breach of the Commonwealth Charter.”
While Gabon is now a full member once again, it will remain under continued review as it works toward fulfilling its commitments under the Commonwealth Charter.
Though originally rooted in the British Empire, the Commonwealth has since expanded to include countries with no historical ties to the UK. Gabon and Togo became its newest members in 2022.
Source: Africafeeds.com
