UN chief ‘firmly condemns’ Gabon coup, notes reports of election abuses

August 31, 2023 (UN) - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the "ongoing coup attempt as a means to resolve the post-election crisis" in Gabon.

During a news conference in New York on Wednesday, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the secretary-general was closely following developments in Gabon and noted with "deep concern the announcement of the election results amid reports of serious violations of fundamental freedoms."

In the statement read out by the Spokesperson, Mr. Guterres reaffirmed his strong opposition to military coups and called on the national army and security forces to ensure the physical integrity of the President of the Republic and his family.

The Secretary-General also called on all concerned to exercise restraint, engage in an inclusive and meaningful dialogue and ensure full respect for the rule of law and human rights, and affirmed the United Nations standing with the Gabonese people.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Africa is based in Gabon and has 776 staff in the country.

The United Nations spokesman said that Mr. Abdou Abari was visiting Kinshasa as events were evolving, and was now trying to return to the Gabonese capital, Libreville, and was also holding various talks with regional and subregional partners to address the issue.

Asked about the continent's recent increase in military coups, Mr. Dujarric said the best way to deal with them was to "invest more in preventing them in advance, investing in strong institutions, ensuring that elections are secure, ensuring that people can express themselves, and respect human rights."

Mr. Dujarric stressed the need to condemn these coups after they have occurred, expressing the hope that there will be a strong message from the Security Council as well.

Gabon currently occupies one of the non-permanent seats on the Council, and its term is scheduled to complete by the end of this year.