Coup d’état in Gabon: ECCAS suspends Ali Bongo’s country

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has taken firm action in response to the military coup that rocked Gabon, suspending the country from all its authorities until constitutional order is restored .

ECCAS announced on Monday its decision to suspend Gabon from all its authorities in reaction to the recent military coup which overthrew President Ali Bongo. This announcement was made following a summit bringing together ECCAS leaders in Equatorial Guinea.

The official ECCAS press release specifies that the suspension of Gabon’s membership will remain in force until constitutional order is fully restored in the country. The coup, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, took place on August 30, removing Ali Bongo, who had recently claimed victory in the August 26 presidential election.

Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as the country’s president for a transition period, although the exact duration of this transition has not yet been specified. The coup leaders’ decision not to rush the elections has sparked international concern.

The Gabonese opposition, united within the Alternance 2023 platform, had called on the military to continue counting the votes in the presidential election, while the international community insisted on the need to re-establish a civilian government.

Gabon thus joins the list of African countries having experienced military coups in recent years, joining Niger in July and Mali in 2022. These events have raised widespread concerns about political stability in Africa and triggered a series of international reactions.