Gabon has been suspended by the African Union.

On Wednesday evening, military leaders appointed the head of the Presidential Guard, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, as the country’s interim leader.

The African Union (AU) has suspended Gabon’s membership in the aftermath of the country’s coup.

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council strongly criticised the military takeover of power in Gabon, which removed President Ali Bongo, on Thursday evening.

Gabon’s participation in all AU activities and organisations was suspended “with immediate effect until constitutional order is restored in the country.”

The AU suspended Niger Republic’s membership only a few weeks ago, following the military’s takeover of power at the end of July.

Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Sudan have all been suspended since their respective coups.

Top EU ambassador Josep Borrell stated in Brussels that the EU “rejects any seizure of power by force in Gabon.”

“The challenges confronting Gabon must be addressed in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, constitutional order, and democracy,” Borrell said in a statement on Thursday.

“The country’s peace and prosperity, as well as regional stability, are dependent on it,” the statement went on to say.

Instead of using force, he advocated for “inclusive and substantive dialogue” to respect the rule of law, human rights, and the desire of the Gabonese people.

Gabon’s military seized power early on Wednesday.

Officers declared the dissolution of state entities on state television.

They also stated that the recent election results had been nullified due to fraud, and that the country’s borders had been blocked.

The electoral officials had pronounced Bongo, who has been in office since 2009, the victor of the Aug. 26 poll just a few days prior.

On Wednesday evening, military leaders appointed the head of the Presidential Guard, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, as the country’s interim leader.