Brussels, 2 September 2016/ ACP: The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States expresses grave concern at the violence which has erupted following the release of the results of the presidential election, which took place in Gabon on 27 August 2016, and which has led to the loss of lives, injuries, and considerable destruction of property.

The ACP Group of States views these developments with particular concern as they could have serious humanitarian consequences and a significant impact on the countries of the region.

The ACP Group calls forrestraintand an end tothe violence, and urges all the Gabonese political leaders, as well as their supporters, to respect the Rule of Law and resolve all disputes through legal and peaceful means so as to restore an environment of understanding and social harmony, for the good of the entire country.

The ACP Group of States calls on the international community to unreservedly support all efforts to restore peace and joins the African Union in exhorting all the parties involved to restore an atmosphere of calm so that priority can be given to the sustainable development of Gabon.

For more information, please contact:

Josephine Latu-Sanft
Press Officer – ACP Secretariat
Ave. Georges Henri 451, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
+32 2 7430617
latu@acp.int