Gabon (Commonwealth Union)_ The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has embarked on a three-day fact-finding mission in Gabon, engaging with various stakeholders to gain insights into the current political situation in the country. During her visit, she held discussions with General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the transitional president, who gave an overview of developments since the military coup on August 30, 2023. Her visit also included a meeting with His Excellency Ali Bongo at his residence in Libreville. Additionally, the Secretary-General interacted with members of civil society, political parties, Commonwealth High Commissioners, as well as the diplomats in Gabon.
These engagements will serve as vital inputs for a comprehensive report that is being prepared for presentation to Commonwealth member states. Emphasizing the significance of gathering diverse perspectives to ensure a balanced assessment, the Secretary-General remarked, “It is important to listen to everyone to get a balanced assessment of the situation before I prepare my report, which will be shared with Commonwealth member countries.” She also issued a statement on August 30, 2023, expressing deep concern over the illegal seizure of power in Gabon and underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic principles, as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
Addressing the ongoing situation in Gabon, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said, “It is deeply concerning to hear reports of an illegal takeover of power in Gabon. The Commonwealth Charter is clear that member states must uphold the rule of law and the principles of democracy at all times, and the Commonwealth Secretariat will be keenly monitoring the situation.” She added that the Commonwealth Secretariat remains committed to closely monitoring the evolving situation in Gabon, given its potential implications for regional stability and security amidst the backdrop of recent military takeovers in various African nations.
On August 30th, in the wake of an announcement by Gabon’s election commission affirming President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s third-term victory, a cadre of Gabonese military officers hailing from the elite presidential guard unit took decisive action, seizing control of the government and apprehending the president within the confines of his palace. Subsequently, these officers officially designated General Brice Oligui Nguema as the head of the transitional administration on that very day. While the electoral process itself had been tarnished by troubling reports of irregularities, the coup orchestrated by these officers stands as the latest addition to a concerning series of military takeovers that have unfolded throughout the African continent in recent times. These power struggles have cast a shadow over regional stability and security, posing grave challenges to the existing situation.
