Following Gabon's recent presidential election, the African Union (AU) has lifted the sanctions imposed after the August 2023 coup.
The AU Peace and Security Council, which had originally suspended Gabon for violating the Union's charter prohibiting unconstitutional changes of government, cited the democratic nature of the recent elections as the reason for the decision. This move signals a return to normalized relations between the AU and Gabon, now led by Brice Oligugu Nguma, who secured a landslide victory with over 94% of the vote.
The AU had consistently called for "peaceful, fair, free, transparent, and credible democratic elections, leading to the establishment of a government of popular consent."
While the election results have been met with some skepticism internationally, the AU’s decision indicates a willingness to re-engage with Gabon's newly elected government.
Further details regarding the AU's ongoing observation and assessment of the situation in Gabon are expected in the coming weeks.