Following Coup in Gabon, Central African Economic Community Suspends Membership of the Country

The English section of Voice of America reports that following a military coup in Gabon, the Central African Economic Community has suspended the country's membership. This decision was made during an extraordinary meeting in Djibloho, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, where the leaders of the group condemned the use of force to resolve political disputes in Gabon. A week after the coup that led to the ousting of Ali Bongo, the President of Gabon, little information is available regarding his status. Mr. Bongo had requested assistance from the international community through a video after the coup. The extraordinary meeting of the Central African Economic Community was held on Monday, September 4, chaired by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the President of Equatorial Guinea. Obiang stated that the group wants Gabon to return to constitutional order so that all institutions in the country can operate. He added that the economic community expects international and regional communities to assist Gabon in these difficult circumstances but did not provide further details. According to the Central African Economic Community, Gabon's membership has been suspended due to the illegal change of power in the country. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the Foreign Minister of Chad, read the resolutions of the summit of this group on Equatorial Guinea's national television. He said that the leaders of this economic community are asking the military government in Gabon to guarantee the health and safety of Ali Bongo and his family. The Foreign Minister of Chad further stated that Gabon is obligated under international law to protect all citizens and ensure a swift return to civilian rule. The Central African Economic Community appointed Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the President of the Central African Republic, to negotiate with the military government of Gabon for the transfer of power. The ousted President of Gabon has not been seen since a group of army officers appeared on national television and announced that they had detained Bongo and taken power. Shortly after the coup, Bongo's son, Nourredine Bongo Valentin, 31, was arrested on charges of corruption and treason. The military government led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, the former commander of the presidential guard who was sworn in as Gabon's transitional president on Monday, has not commented on the status of his predecessor's family. Nguema stated during his swearing-in ceremony that he would hand over power to civilians but did not specify a date. Member countries of the Central African Economic Community agreed that if the military government of Gabon does not transfer power in a short time, further sanctions will be imposed against Gabon.