The African Union announced on Wednesday that it has removed sanctions against Gabon, which had previously been suspended from the organisation following a coup in August 2023.
The coup leader committed to returning the oil-rich nation to civilian governance after a two-year transitional phase and was elected president earlier this month, receiving over 94% of the votes cast.
A session of the Peace and Security Council assessed Gabon’s political transition and determined that the processes were generally successful, according to a statement from the African Union’s (AU) Political Affairs, Peace and Security department on X.
The AU stated that Gabon is welcome to resume its participation in the organisation’s activities immediately.
Gabon was suspended when Oligui took control after dethroning President Ali Bongo, whose family had ruled for 55 years.
The new constitution grants the president enhanced powers to govern the country.
The AU’s decision to lift sanctions followed a meeting last year between Oligui and President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, during which the Gabonese leader requested assistance in having the sanctions removed.
Despite its oil wealth, the nation of 2.3 million people has faced high unemployment, frequent power and water shortages, and significant government debt.
