The African Union Peace and Security Council said on Friday it had suspended Gabon from all AU activities following the recent coup.
In its statement seen by Newslodge, the AU said it had decided to “immediately suspend the participation of the Republic of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its bodies and institutions until constitutional order is restored in the country.”
Gabon’s top military commanders announced Wednesday that they had taken office because elections held in the Central African country on Saturday were not credible.
A few hours later, General Brice Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s elite Republican Guard, who was in charge of the president’s security, was named leader of the transition.
The African Union condemned the coup and ordered the military to immediately return to their barracks and “unconditionally return power to the civilian authority, uphold its constitutional mandate and the principle of constitutionalism, and refrain from any interference in political processes in Gabon. “
Junta in Gabon (PHOTO CREDIT: Tribune Online)
Failing to do so, the necessary measures will be taken, including the imposition of targeted sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup, the Council said.
Several world leaders, including Nigeria, the UN, France and the EU, have condemned the coup.
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In addition, the AU Council demanded the release of ousted President Ali Bongo, his family and other members of the government who have been arrested since the seizure of power on Wednesday.
Bongo has been under house arrest since the coup and was seen on video asking his friends to “make some noise” to help him.
The AU also condemned “any politically motivated arrests under the circumstances, and stresses the importance of ensuring that all political detainees are prosecuted through the judicial system as prescribed by land law.”
Deposed Gabonese President, Ali Bongo (Photo Credit: BBC)
The overthrow of Mr. Bongo’s government ended his family’s control of Gabon’s highest seat. Omar Bongo, his father, was president from 1967 to 2009, and upon his death, Ali Bongo took office and, after two terms, was set to resume a third term after Saturday’s election that was widely perceived as not credible. .
The AU Security Council called on the Commission Chair to continue to closely monitor developments, including by establishing an inclusive monitoring mechanism, including the AU, ECCAS and other relevant stakeholders, and to report to the Council within 15 days. days from the adoption of this statement.
The Gabon coup came about a month after a similar one in Niger. The AU also condemned the coup in Niger and suspended the West African country from all its activities.