For the first time, the Republic of Gabon has raised a flag in a ceremony marking the country’s entry into the Commonwealth.
The Gabonese flag was ceremoniously hoisted on the roof of Marlborough House to the tune of Gabon’s national anthem.
This development, however, will further strengthen the relationship between Francophone and Anglophone families across the world.
Recall that Gabon became the Commonwealth’s 55 members on June 25 after approval from Commonwealth leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, and the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, led the flag-raising ceremony formally welcoming the Commonwealth’s newest member.
During the ceremony, Scotland said, “Together, we breathe new life into our commitment to democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and peace. Strengthened by the spirit of the Gabonese and their thirst for a better world, commitment to partnership and determination to join the Commonwealth’s drive to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris agenda.
But Ondimba who thanked the commonwealth secretariat commended their enthusiastic engagement and hard work throughout Gabon’s candidacy.
He added, “It would not be an exaggeration to say that from the very first day we felt that we were already members.
“In a world full of uncertainties, mostly created by humanity’s excesses and greed, we believe strongly that the Commonwealth family of nations is a unique and varied community of countries that share common values and whose diversity represents a formidable melting pot of ideas and solutions”.
Gabon and Togo, both former French colonies, were admitted at the same time as the 55 and 56 members respectively. Rwanda had been the last country to join the Commonwealth since 2009.
By joining the Commonwealth, Gabon’s Embassy in London now officially becomes a High Commission, with Aicha Sanni serving as High Commissioner.
Gabon will also now be part of big discussions and a mutually supportive community of 56 independent and sovereign states, aided by more than 80 accredited organizations and more than 50 strategic partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization.
The President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba delivers remarks during the event that officially welcomed his country to join the Commonwealth.
By joining the Commonwealth, Gabon’s Embassy in London now officially becomes a High Commission.
