Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group removes Gabon from its formal agenda as CHOGM 2026 opens in Antigua and Barbuda
1 November 2026
The 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) began on 1 November at St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, and runs until 4 November. On the first day the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), at its 75th meeting, removed Gabon from its formal agenda. It recognised the country's progress towards meeting its commitments under the Commonwealth Charter after the restoration of elected constitutional government. Gabon had been partially suspended in September 2023 and the suspension was lifted in July 2025. CMAG, set up in 1995, is a group of foreign ministers that upholds the political values of the Commonwealth. This is the first CHOGM under Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, and Antigua and Barbuda is the smallest country ever to host it. The Commonwealth has 56 members and about 2.7 billion people.
In plain words
CHOGM Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting — The Commonwealth's summit of leaders, held every two years.
CMAG Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group — A group of foreign ministers that deals with serious breaches of the Commonwealth's political values.
Commonwealth Charter Charter of the Commonwealth — The document setting out the shared values of Commonwealth members.