Communique: 624th PSC Meeting on the post- electoral situation in Gabon

AFRICAN UNION

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PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL 624^th MEETING

13 SEPTEMBER 2016

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

PSC/PR/COMM(DCXXIV)

COMMUNIQUE

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 624^th Meeting, held on 13

September 2016, adopted the following decision on the post- electoral situation in Gabon:

Council:

1. Takes Note of the briefing made by the Commissioner for Peace and Security on the latest developments in the situation in Gabon, following the proclamation of the provisional results of the Presidential Election held in that country on 27 August 2016. Council Welcomes the outcome of the Mission undertaken by the Commissioner for Peace and Security to Libreville and Ndjamena from 8 to 10 September 2016, particularly to consult the Gabonese stakeholders about the envisaged visit to the country of a high-level delegation composed of African Heads of State, led by the Current Chairman of the African Union, H.E. President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad;

2. Recalls the Press Statement PSC/PR/BR.DCXX of its 620^th Meeting held on 2 September 2016. Council, reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty of Gabon, recalls also the relevant provisions, among others, of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Protocol Relating to Establishment of the Peace and Security Council and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance;

3. Welcomes the initiatives taken by the Current Chairman of the AU, H.E. Idriss Deby Itno, as well as the Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in the search for an early resolution of the post-electoral situation in Gabon, in respect of the will of the Gabonese people as expressed on 27 August 2016. Council expresses its appreciation to the countries of the region, through the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), as well as to the partners, in particular the United Nations, for their continued support to AU efforts in Gabon;

4. Takes Note, with satisfaction, of the appeal lodged with the Constitutional Court by the candidates to the Presidential Election, thus using legal and constitutional means as provided for the resolution of any dispute related to the result of the ballot;

5. Stresses the importance of the conclusion of the appeals process submitted by the candidates to the presidential election, in a transparent and regular manner, thus contributing to the entrenchment of democracy in Gabon, as well as to promotion of peace and stability in the country and in the region. Council requests the Commission, in close cooperation with the partners concerned, and within the respect of the sovereignty of Gabon, to support the relevant Gabonese institutions in their efforts aimed at enhancing the transparency and credibility of the review process, as well as the proclamation of the final results of the Presidential Election of 27 August 2016 by the Constitutional Court;

6. Requests the Commission to deploy observers, who will be chosen from among eminent members of high African French speaking jurisdictions, to assist the Constitutional Court of Gabon, in accordance with the modalities to be determined by common agreement with the said Court, as well as in compliance with the rules of procedure and the relevant provisions of title VI of the Gabonese Constitution;

7Appeals to the partners to continue to support AU's initiatives in Gabon;

8. Decides to remain seized of the matter.