Commonwealth engages coupist, Ousted Nguema for peace process in Gabon
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has been engaging with stakeholders in Gabon to understand their assessment of the current political situation in the country.
The Secretary-General, on a three-day fact-finding mission, met with General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the transitional president, who provided his overview of the political situation since the take-over on 30 August 2023. She also met with His Excellency Ali Bongo at his residence in Libreville on 7 September 2023.
She also engaged with members of civil society, political parties, Commonwealth High Commissioners and diplomats in the country. Her interactions will inform a report being prepared for Commonwealth member states.
The Secretary-General said “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”.
The Secretary-General also released a statement on 30 August 2023 addressing the political situation in Gabon (Statement).
Business Hilights recalls that the Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under.
The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of our members are small states, many of which are island nations.
The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.
Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.
The Commonwealth admitted Gabon and Togo as its 55th and 56th members respectively at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kigali, Rwanda in June 2022. Prior to this, Rwanda was the last country to join in 2009.
