Balanced News: AfDB lifts financial sanctions off Gabon after Bongo removed in coup

Gabon has announced that the African Development Bank (AfDB) has lifted financial sanctions imposed on the country after President Ali Bongo was removed from power in a coup in August. The decision was made in a meeting between Gabonese officials and the AfDB in Morocco, aiming to resume their work together for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in Africa. However, two weeks ago, US President Joe Biden excluded Gabon from the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade program due to concerns over the country’s lack of progress in establishing political pluralism and the rule of law. Gabon faces challenges such as high youth unemployment and wealth concentration.