BREAKING: AU Set To Lift Sanction Against Gabon

BREAKING: AU Set To Lift Sanction Against Gabon

The African Union announced on Wednesday that it has lifted sanctions on Gabon, which were imposed after a coup in August 2023.

The suspension followed General Brice Oligui Nguema’s ousting of President Ali Bongo, ending his family’s 55-year rule.

According to a statement on X by the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security department, the Peace and Security Council reviewed Gabon’s political transition and deemed it “generally successful.”

The statement said Gabon would be welcome “to immediately resume her participation in the activities” of the AU.

Nguema, who committed to restoring civilian governance after a two-year transition, was elected president in April with 94 percent of the vote. The country’s new constitution grants the president expanded powers.

The AU’s decision to lift sanctions comes after a previous meeting between Nguema and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, during which Nguema sought support for sanction removal.

Despite being rich in oil, Gabon, home to 2.3 million people, continues to struggle with high unemployment, frequent power and water outages, and significant public debt.