The United States has suspended most assistance to the government of Gabon.

In a statement on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, said the suspension was in line with section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act.

“The United States has concluded that a military coup d’état has taken place in Gabon. Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the Government of Gabon.

“This foreign assistance has been temporarily paused by the United States since September 26.

“We underscore that our humanitarian, health, and education assistance will continue to benefit the people of Gabon,” Miller said.

On 30 August 2023, a coup d’état occurred in Gabon shortly after the announcement that incumbent president Ali Bongo had won the general election held on 26 August.

The coup brought an end to the 56-year-long rule of the Bongo family over Gabon. The US had paused its assistance to Gabon.

He, however, assured that the people of Gabon would continue to benefit from its life-saving humanitarian assistance.

He said, “The United States reaffirms our commitment to support Gabon in conducting a timely and durable transition to democratic civilian governance and advancing shared security interests in the Gulf of Guinea.

“We will resume our assistance alongside concrete actions by the transitional government toward establishing democratic rule. We will continue to work closely with the Gabonese people and regional partners.”

The country added, “The United States stands with the Gabonese people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability.”