Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 1241^st  meeting held on 30 October 2024, through official emails, on the Consideration of the report of the Field Mission to Libreville, Gabon, conducted from 12 to 14 September 2024.     

The Peace and Security Council,

Recalling its previous decisions and pronouncements on the situation in Gabon, particularly, Communique [PSC/PR/COMM.1172 (2023)] adopted at its 1172th meeting held on 31 August 2023; and also recalling Communique [PSC/PR/COMM.1212 (2024)] adopted at its 1212^th meeting held on 20 May 2024;

Upholding the AU Constitutive Act, particularly Article 4 (p), condemning and rejecting unconstitutional changes of governments and the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, particularly Article 7 (g), and reiterating the AU Zero tolerance of unconstitutional changes of government;

Noting the PSC Field mission to Libreville, the Republic of Gabon, under the chairship of H.E. Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cameroon to the African Union (AU) and the Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for September 2024; and

Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the Peace and Security Council:

1. Adopts the PSC Field Mission Report to Gabon and reaffirms the AU’s solidarity with the Government and the people of the Republic of Gabon in their commitment towards the completion of the transition process and the return to constitutional order in line with the adopted Transition Roadmap to be completed by August 2025 in the best interest of the Gabonese People;

2. Reiterates the AU’s respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Gabon, and recalls the importance of the principles of non-interference, good-neighbourliness and regional cooperation;

3. Commends the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) for respecting the transition timeframe through the Transition Roadmap, and the progress made in rebuilding national institutions and the improvement of socio-economic services in the country;

4.  Further Commends the Transition Government of the Republic of Gabon for its purposeful and effective transition that will take the country back to constitutional order; and appreciates the Transition Authority’s efforts to ensure an inclusive transition process, notably through the involvement of women and youth in its institutions;

5. Appeals to the international organizations and bilateral partners to support the Transition Authority of Gabon to ensure a successful implementation of the transition roadmap and smoothly return to constitutional order;

6.  Urges the transitional authorities to enhance efforts in engaging the women, youth and civil society organisations to ensure an inclusive transition process, particularly in the drafting of the new constitution and preparations for the general elections;

7. Encourages the Transition Authority to engage in dialogue with the former President of Gabon, H.E. Ali Bongo Odimba, with a view to ending his house arrest in line with the decision of the PSC, and to expedite the judicial process regarding the charges against the family members of the former President ;

8. Requests the AU Commission to engage the Transition Authority of Gabon to identify areas of support and provide the needed technical and financial support to Gabon, in particular in the drafting of a new constitution, strengthening judicial systems and preparation for the general elections;

9. Also Requests the Chairperson of the AU Commission to use his good office to engage with the leader of the Transition Authority to mediate the differences with the former President to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition in the country;

10. Reaffirms the commitment and readiness of the AU to enhance its engagement with the Transition Authority of Gabon; and, stresses the need for the AU and the PSC, in particular, to play a leading role and have more leverage, to support the restoration of a civilian-led government;

11. Expresses deep appreciation to the Gabonese authorities and particularly to H.E. General Brice Oligui Nguema, President of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), for welcoming the field visit of the PSC, for the hospitality and for facilitating the PSC engagements with various stakeholders in Libreville;

12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

COMMENTS