• The foreign assistance has been temporarily paused since September 26.
• The US however, reaffirmed to support the country's transition from military to civilian rule.
The United States has announced the suspension of aid to Gabon, following the ouster of President Ali Bongo.
In a statement on Monday, the US said that it stands with the Gabonese people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability.
"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 US assistance to the Government of Gabon," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
The foreign assistance has been temporarily paused since September 26.
The US, however, reaffirmed to support the country's transition from military to civilian rule.
Miller said the aid will resume once the transitional administration led by head of the military junta, Gen Brice Oligui Nguema comes up with a concrete plan to return the country to civilian rule.
"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," he said.
Miller also noted that despite the suspension, humanitarian, health, and education assistance will continue to benefit the people of Gabon.
Bongo was toppled from power on August 30, shortly after being declared the winner of much-criticised elections that would have seen him extend his 14-year rule as president.
The coup appears to have brought an end to his family’s 55-year hold on power in Gabon.
His father, El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, was president for almost 42 years from 1967.
News of Bongo’s removal from power was greeted by many with jubilation, with crowds taking to the streets in support of the military junta.
The takeover by the junta, however, saw the country expelled from regional and international bodies it was a member state including the Commonwealth and the African Union.