In a stunning turn of events, following a military coup in Gabon, the African Union (AU) has suspended the country. This decision stems from events on August m 30th when twelve Gabonese soldiers announced the end of the current regime and nullified an election that appeared to secure President Ali Bongo Ondimbia’s victory, according to various sources. In the aftermath of this coup, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council swiftly announced their intention to “immediately suspend” Gabon, emphasizing the AU’s steadfast commitment to addressing political crises and upholding democratic principles within its member states
AU, via X (formerly Twitter), stated that it “strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of Gabon that ousted President Ali Bongo on August 30, 2023.” It further added that it “decides to immediately suspend Gabon’s participation in all activities of the AU, its organs, and institutions until constitutional order is restored in the country.”
After this announcement, the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, urged the Gabonese army and security forces ‘to ensure President Bongo’s physical integrity’ amid coup leader claims of his house arrest. Faki also strongly condemned the coup, branding the events in Gabon as a ‘flagrant violation’ of the African Union’s legal and political instruments. He called on all political, civil, and military actors in Gabon to prioritize peaceful political solutions for a swift return to democratic constitutional order.
Additionally, the international community has also expressed concern over the situation in Gabon. The United Nations, European Union, and various countries have called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and a return to democratic governance. They have urged all parties to engage in dialogue and avoid violence.
The situation in Gabon remains fluid, and it is unclear how events will unfold in the coming days and weeks, but the hope is that Gabon can find a peaceful and democratic resolution to its political crisis, setting a positive example for the region.
What do you think would be the most likely outcome from this situation?
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