The Commonwealth has lifted its partial suspension of Gabon, restoring the Central African nation to full membership following its recent presidential election.
The decision was announced on Tuesday after a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which had imposed the partial suspension in September 2023, a month after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was ousted in a military coup.
Brice Oligui Nguema, the general who led the coup, secured a sweeping victory in the April 2025 election, garnering nearly 95 percent of the vote.
The Commonwealth deemed the election process “credible, transparent, and inclusive,” prompting the move to restore Gabon’s full participation in the 56-nation bloc.
CMAG, however, reaffirmed its strong opposition to the unconstitutional removal of elected governments, warning that such actions violate the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
While welcoming Gabon’s return to constitutional rule, the group said the country would remain under observation as it continues to align with Commonwealth standards.
Originally rooted in the British Empire, the Commonwealth has since evolved into a global association open to all countries.
Gabon and Togo became its newest members in 2022.
