Gabon : International Pressure Accentuates

Since the overthrow of President Ali Bongo in Gabon, the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), has not known any respite despite several assurances by its leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema. The international community has increased measures to oblige the CTRI give back power to civilians as early as possible. The African Union (AU) has set the ball rolling by suspending Gabon’s membership after the military seized power in a coup on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. The suspension is the first regional response to the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020. The AU’s Peace and Security Council said the suspension was necessary “to preserve the democratic gains of the Gabonese people” and to “ensure the immediate restoration of constitutional order.” The council also called on the military to release all detainees,’ especially political prisoners. The coup has been condemned by the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and France. The United States has said it is “deeply concerned” by the situation and is working with its partners to “ensure a peaceful resolution”.
Apart from the suspension, the African Union is for now, according to in-house sources, observing what the military intends to do in order to take the next step which might be economic sanctions. If taken, it would damage Gabon’s economy and make it more difficult for the country to import goods and services. This would lead to higher prices and shortages of essential goods, which would hurt ordinary citizens the most. While financial sanctions would make it difficult for the G...