The Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (AU-ECOSOCC) is deeply concerned by the military takeover in the Republic of Gabon following presidential elections held last week.
ECOSOCC strongly condemns any act that undermines the stability of democratic institutions and calls on all stakeholders to respect democratic and constitutional principles.
ECOSOCC expresses its deep concern at the multitude of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa and reaffirms its profound attachment to the respect of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Consequently, ECOSOCC calls on Member States of the African Union to respect the Charter and to ensure that the various electoral processes underway and those to come are inclusive, transparent and credible.
ECOSOCC calls for the peaceful resolution of the crisis and the restoration of constitutional order in Gabon, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and other continental and regional instruments.
ECOSOCC was established at the third ordinary session of the AU Assembly in 2004, in accordance with the provisions of articles 5 (i) and 22 of the AU Constitutive Act. Its mission is to promote and defend a culture of good governance, democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, human rights, and social justice. In this regard, the developments in Gabon constitute a violation of the legal and political instruments of the AU.
ECOSOCC supports the efforts of the African Union and regional institutions and extends its support to the people of Gabon.
Khalid Boudali
Presiding Officer, ECOSOCC
