ThHE Central African country of Gabon has been handed a partial suspension by the Commonwealth in the aftermath of the country’s August coup.
The suspension on Gabon was established during the 63rd Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss developments in member states.
According to its statement on Tuesday, the meeting held on Monday was chaired by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Tourism, of Samoa, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa.
The meeting was attended by Ministers from Barbados, Canada, Ghana, Mauritius, and Rwanda, and representatives of Belize, Malaysia and Malta.
The Ministers unanimously frowned upon the coup in the African nation, while calling for a swift return to democracy, the statement explained.
“In accordance with the steps set out in the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on the Harare Declaration, the Ministers decided to partially suspend Gabon from the Commonwealth pending the restoration of democracy.
“This partial suspension entails suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth, and the exclusion of Gabon from all Commonwealth intergovernmental meetings and events, including ministerial meetings and CHOGM,” the statement read in part.
The statement further explained that, should the Commonwealth not observe tangible progress before 2yrs time, the temporary suspension would possibly be turned into a permanent one.
In the meantime, the Commonwealth urged the Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, to continue her Good Offices engagement with Gabon, including providing technical support, in a bid to redressing the political situation and facilitate Gabon’s return to democracy.
“The Group called upon Gabon as a Commonwealth member, to uphold the values and principles of the Commonwealth and to hold credible elections as soon as possible and within a maximum of two years from 30 August 2023.
“The Group called upon Gabon to guarantee the personal integrity, safety, health and human rights of former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, his family members and members of his Government,” the statement went on.
