On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, expresses deep concern about the political situation in Gabon following the coup d’etat on 26 August2023.

The Secretary-General notes that the military takeover could hinder efforts to resolve the electoral crisis. He urges all parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint in this difficult political situation and calls on them to ensure that best interests of the people of Gabon are preserved.

H.E. Mr Chikoti supports the efforts of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in securing the return to constitutional order in Gabon.