The African Union (AU) has taken decisive action in response to the recent coup in Gabon, suspending the country’s membership. This decision was made by the AU’s Peace and Security Council, which strongly condemned the military’s takeover of power and the ousting of President Ali Bongo.
The suspension of Gabon’s membership means that the country will not participate in any AU activities or engage with its institutions until constitutional order is restored within Gabon. This move by the AU follows a similar suspension of Niger Republic’s membership after a military takeover in that country a few weeks ago.
Previously, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Sudan had also faced suspension from the AU due to coups or coup-related events.
The European Union (EU) has also voiced its disapproval of the seizure of power by force in Gabon. EU diplomat Josep Borrell emphasized the importance of resolving the country’s challenges through the principles of the rule of law, constitutional order, and democracy. He called for inclusive and substantive dialogue to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and the will of the Gabonese people, rather than resorting to force.
The military in Gabon announced the takeover early on Wednesday, dissolved state institutions, annulled election results, and closed the country’s borders. These actions followed the electoral authorities declaring President Ali Bongo as the winner of the August 26 election shortly before the military’s intervention. Military leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was named as Gabon’s interim leader in the wake of the coup.
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