UN, AU fault Gabon coup, call for safety of Ali Bongo

 

The United Nations and the African Union have condemned the coup in Gabon and called on the military officers who deposed Ali Bongo to ensure his safety and that of his family…

The United Nations and the African Union have strongly condemned the coup that overthrew President Ali Bongo of Gabon.

In a press statement issued by the United Nations, it said that the “Secretary-General is following the evolving situation in Gabon very closely.

Antonio Guterres notes with deep concern the announcement of the election results amidst reports of serious infringements of fundamental freedoms.

“The Secretary-General calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint, engage in an inclusive and meaningful dialogue, and ensure that the rule of law and human rights are fully respected.

“He also calls on the national army and security forces to guarantee the physical integrity of the President of the Republic and his family.”

The African Union in its statement on Wednesday also condemned the coup in Gabon.

“The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, is following with great concern the situation in Gabon and strongly condemns the attempted coup d’état in the country as a means out of the current post-electoral crisis. The statement said.

“He strongly recalls that it constitutes a flagrant violation of the legal and political instruments of the African Union, including the African Charter on Elections, Democracy, and Governance.

“He further calls on the national army and security forces to adhere strictly to their republican vocation and to guarantee the physical integrity of the President of the Republic, members of his family, and those of his government.

“The Chairman of the Commission encourages all political, civil, and military actors in Gabon to give priority to peaceful political avenues and a rapid return to democratic constitutional order in the country.”

Meanwhile, Gabonese President Ali Bongo has called on the international community to “make noise” in support of him and his family in a video widely circulated online after military officers declared they had seized power.

Mr. Bongo’s overthrow ended his family’s 55-year hold on power.

The coup in the country added to the growing number of military take overs on the continent and political experts warned that the sad trend could undermine democracy on the continent if not nipped in the bud.