Addis Ababa – The African Union (AU) officially announced today the lifting of sanctions imposed on Gabon after the August 2023 military coup. The decision was confirmed in a statement released by the AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, which noted that the transitional phase had “successfully restored constitutional order.”
The announcement followed a ministerial meeting dedicated to reviewing political transitions across the continent. The AU Commission acknowledged Gabon’s progress, particularly its organization of credible national elections.
Gabon was suspended from the African Union in August 2023 after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was overthrown in a military coup. Bongo had ruled for 14 years, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who led the country for over four decades. The leader of the coup, General Brice Oligui Nguema, won the presidential elections held on April 12, 2025, with a significant majority, according to official results.
In a key step toward political reform, Gabon adopted a new constitution through a popular referendum in November 2024, replacing the 1991 constitution. President-elect Nguema is scheduled to be officially sworn in on May 3.
The lifting of sanctions comes after months of regional and international pressure. In addition to its suspension from the AU, Gabon had also been subjected to economic sanctions by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which adversely impacted the national economy.
Reintegration into the African Union is expected to ease Gabon’s international isolation and facilitate renewed cooperation with global financial institutions.
