The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that it is committed to partnering with other democratically elected governments in Africa to sanction perpetrators of unconstitutional change of government in Gabon.
This is in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ADC) until democracy is given the chance to thrive in every African country for the good of its people.
It also reiterated its call for a return to constitutional order in the country.
Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Francisca Omayuli, in a statement said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has observed with concern the unfolding political developments in the Republic of Gabon, following the coup d’etat that ousted the Administration of President Ali Bongo Ondimba on 30th August 2023.
The inauguration of the Commandant In-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, Gen. Brice Olingui Nguema as Chairman of the Ruling Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on Monday, 4th September, 2023, with no indication of a transition programme in place, only serves to fan the embers of growing discontent among the political class in the country”.
Nigeria, she said, joins the larger international community in calling for the immediate return to democratic and constitutional order, which will go a long way to pacify dissident voices and restore trust and confidence to the electorate.
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FG said that coups d’etat only serve to compound rather than address any perceived problems.
The statement concluded that the coup d’etat in Gabon is one coup too many in Africa and it is unacceptable at a time when Africa is aspiring to consolidate on democracy and democratic principles for the attainment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
