The African Union (AU) has taken the decision to suspend Gabon from its membership following the military coup that unfolded in the Central African nation. This announcement was made by the AU’s Peace and Security Council on Thursday evening.
This suspension comes after the AU had recently suspended Niger Republic’s membership when a military takeover occurred at the end of July. Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Sudan have also faced suspensions from the AU in the wake of coup incidents in those countries.
Meanwhile, in Brussels, the European Union (EU) responded to the situation in Gabon. Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell firmly stated that the EU “rejects any seizure of power by force in Gabon.” He stressed that the challenges facing Gabon must be addressed through adherence to the principles of the rule of law, constitutional order, and democracy.
Borrell’s statement emphasized that the peace, prosperity, and regional stability of Gabon hinge on these principles.
Borrell called for “inclusive and substantive dialogue” as a means of resolving the situation, advocating for respect for the rule of law, human rights, and the will of the Gabonese people.
His statement came after the military in Gabon seized power, dissolved state institutions, annulled the recent election results, which they deemed fraudulent, and closed the country’s borders.
Shortly before the coup, electoral authorities had declared Ali Bongo as the winner of the August 26 election. The military subsequently named the head of the Presidential Guard, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, as Gabon’s interim leader.
The suspension of Gabon from the AU reflects the growing concerns over military coups across the African continent and the international community’s commitment to upholding democratic processes and the rule of law.
