Zambia Participates in Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting as Gabon’s Suspension Is Lifted
Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., MP, today participated virtually in the 69th Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting, which resolved to lift the partial suspension of the Republic of Gabon from the Commonwealth.
The extraordinary session was chaired by Hon. Dr. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta. The meeting brought together foreign ministers and senior representatives from across the Commonwealth, including Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, and Zambia.
In its concluding statement, CMAG confirmed that the decision to lift Gabon’s suspension followed a comprehensive review of the country’s progress in addressing key governance and constitutional concerns that had led to its partial suspension following a coup d’état in August 2023.
The Group noted that the Government of Gabon had made tangible progress in restoring constitutional order, and observed that the Presidential Elections held in April 2025 were largely transparent and peaceful. These developments were seen as significant steps toward democratic restoration and re-engagement within the Commonwealth family.
With the lifting of the suspension, Gabon is now fully reinstated to participate in all Commonwealth activities.
CMAG further urged the Commonwealth Secretary-General to continue strengthening initiatives that reinforce the rule of law, separation of powers, constitutionalism, and good governance, as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.
The Commonwealth committed to continued monitoring and support to ensure Gabon’s democratic reforms are sustained and that peace and constitutional integrity are preserved.
The Zambian government reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of democracy, accountability, and multilateral cooperation within the Commonwealth and other international bodies.
