Gabon rejoins commonwealth as full member after return to civilian rule

Gabon’s full membership in the Commonwealth has been reinstated following the country’s April presidential election, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) announced on Tuesday.

The Central African nation had been partially suspended from the 56-member organization in September 2023, one month after President Ali Bongo Ondimba was removed from office in a military coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema.

Nguema, who assumed power after the coup, later won the presidency in an April 2025 election with nearly 95 percent of the vote. Following an assessment of the poll, the Commonwealth declared the election credible, transparent, and inclusive — a key factor in the decision to lift Gabon’s suspension.

While welcoming Gabon’s return to constitutional governance, CMAG reiterated its condemnation of military takeovers, stating that any unconstitutional change of government is a violation of the Commonwealth’s democratic principles and a breach of its Charter.

The group also noted that Gabon will remain under review as it continues to work towards meeting its full commitments under the Commonwealth Charter.

Gabon, along with Togo, joined the Commonwealth in 2022 despite neither country having historic ties to the British Empire.

The organization has since broadened its membership to include nations that share its values of democracy, good governance, and human rights.