The United States has lifted sanctions imposed on Gabon over a 2023 coup after the Central African country carried out an election, the State Department said Thursday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio “has certified and reported to Congress that a democratically elected government has taken office in Gabon,” a State Department spokesperson said.

As a result, the sanctions imposed in 2023 “have been lifted,” the spokesperson said.

US law requires the State Department to halt assistance to countries where the military takes charge, although Washington has occasionally skirted the guidelines for sensitive partners.

Gabon’s military in August 2023 removed Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family had run the oil-rich country for more than half a century and had been proclaimed the winner of an election marred by irregularities.

Coup leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui, who promised a two-year path to civilian rule, went on to win the presidency after taking 94.85 percent of the vote on April 12.

Despite the wide margin, international observers signalled no major irregularities, and the African Union also lifted sanctions on Gabon.

Even before the coup, Gabon was not a major recipient of US assistance, and President Donald Trump since returning to the White House has made sweeping cuts in aid overseas.

AFP/PUNCH NG