Gabon officially regained its full membership status in the Commonwealth on Tuesday, July 15, less than two years after its partial suspension in September 2023.
Meeting in an extraordinary session, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) lifted the sanction, praising "the return to constitutional order" and "the credible presidential election of April 12."
That election was deemed inclusive and transparent by Commonwealth observers.
Gabon’s reinstatement in the organization is based on several major developments. These include the adoption of a new Constitution, approved by referendum, which established the Fifth Republic. The transitional authorities also submitted a memorandum highlighting these advances and the upcoming legislative and local elections.
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema hailed the move as “international recognition of the path we’ve traveled,” affirming that “Gabon is fully returning to the Commonwealth family.”
At the same time, Gabon has also been reinstated in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the African Union, further reinforcing its rehabilitation on both the continental and international diplomatic stage.
