Commonwealth lifts Gabon’s suspension after country moves to restore democracy

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has resolved to lift the partial suspension of Gabon, following significant progress by the country toward restoring democratic governance.

The decision was made during the Sixty-Ninth extraordinary CMAG meeting held on July 15, 2025, chaired by Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Dr. Ian Borg.

Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, participated virtually in the meeting, according to a statement issued in Lusaka by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Eva Chanda.

Other representatives at the meeting included ministers and officials from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Samoa.

According to the Concluding Statement of the Sixty-Ninth CMAG, the lifting of Gabon’s suspension followed a comprehensive review of the country’s efforts to address concerns that led to the initial suspension—imposed after the coup d’état on August 30, 2023.

The group acknowledged that Gabon had made tangible progress toward restoring constitutional order, promoting political inclusivity, and upholding the core values of the Commonwealth.

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CMAG particularly cited the report of the Commonwealth Observer Group, which found that the presidential elections held in April 2025 were largely transparent and peaceful.

“The decision to lift the partial suspension reflects the Commonwealth’s recognition of these positive developments and its continued support for Gabon’s reintegration into the full activities of the Commonwealth family,” Chanda stated.

She added that CMAG, in its final statement, also requested the Commonwealth Secretary-General to remain engaged with the Gabonese government to help strengthen institutions that promote the rule of law, separation of powers, constitutionalism, and good governance in line with the Commonwealth Charter.

“The Commonwealth will continue to monitor progress and provide support as needed to ensure that democratic reforms are sustained and strengthened,” Chanda said.

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