Coup d’Etat against Ali Bongo: Gabon could be Expelled from the Commonwealth
In the Commonwealth Charter, it is stipulated that «member states must uphold the rule of law and the principles of democracy at all times». Following the coup d’état in Gabon that ousted the re-elected President Ali Bongo on August 30, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, conducted a three-day fact-finding mission in the country.
To remain a member of the international organization, Gabon has a two-year period to restore constitutional order, in accordance with the charter.
Beyond this deadline, the country will face suspension, as the Commonwealth’s Harare Declaration states that members must have a civilian regime.
During her stay in Gabon, Ms. Patricia Scotland met with the transitional president, General Brice Oligui Nguema, members of civil society, political parties, Commonwealth high commissioners, and diplomats to gather their assessments of the current political situation in the country.
She also had a meeting with the deposed President Ali Bongo at his residence in Libreville on September 7th.
Following these various meetings, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth emphasized the importance of consulting with all these personalities.
«It is important to listen to everyone to have a balanced assessment of the situation before preparing my report, which will be shared with the member countries of the Commonwealth», she stated.
As a reminder, Gabon joined the Commonwealth in June 2022 under the leadership of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
This intergovernmental organization, composed of 54 member countries sharing English as a common language, did not condemn the coup d’état in the country but rather denounced it as «a seizure of power».
Iann OBIANG
