The African Union (AU) announced on Wednesday that it has lifted sanctions on Gabon and reinstated the country’s membership in the continental organization, following what it described as a “largely successful” political transition after the August 2023 military coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo.

The decision was made during a session of the AU Peace and Security Council, which concluded that the transitional process in Gabon met key benchmarks for restoring constitutional order. The council ordered the immediate lifting of all sanctions.

In a statement, the council confirmed that Gabon would immediately resume its participation in all African Union activities, reaffirming the AU’s commitment to supporting stability and peaceful political transitions among member states.

The African Union had suspended Gabon’s membership in the aftermath of the coup, in line with its firm stance against unconstitutional changes of government.