AU says ready to help end post-poll tension in Gabon

The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its readiness to contribute towards the search for a solution to post-election tension in Gabon.

Chad President Idriss Deby Itno, current Chair of the Union, continues to follow, with renewed attention, the evolution of the situation in Gabon, following the announcement on August 31 of the provisional results of the presidential election held on August 27, according to a statement from the pan-African bloc on Monday.

In this regard, he maintains a constant liaison with the Gabonese main actors, as well as with other stakeholders concerned, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

The Chair of the Union has reaffirmed the readiness of AU, with the support of the countries of the region and partners concerned, to assist the parties in Gabon in their search for a rapid settlement to the post-election situation that prevails in their country, in strict respect of the constitutional and legal provisions, as well as in the light of the relevant AU instruments on democracy and elections.

The Chair of the Union has stressed, in this regard, that a high-level delegation composed of African Heads of State, accompanied by senior officials of the AU Commission and the United Nations, is ready to be dispatched to Libreville, as soon as the conditions for such a visit are met.

Protesters took to the streets of Libreville on Wednesday after poll results showed that President Ali Bongo Ondimba narrowly won re-election in a vote the Opposition said was stolen.

The protesters attacked the parliament building and clashed with police, leaving 1,000 arrested, local media reported.

--IANS

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