Brussels, 27/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - The group of ACP states (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) linked to the EU through the Cotonou agreement has congratulated the Republic of Senegal for the successful and transparent elections concluded on 25 March, with the victory of the new president elect, Macky Sall. In a press release published on Monday evening, Dr Mohamed Chambas congratulated the government and people of Senegal and underlined that these free and fair elections were borne out by democratic standards in the country. This success contrasts with the military coup d'état in Mali, which the ACP Group has strongly condemned.
The secretary general of the ACP stated: “Senegal is one of the bastions of democracy in West Africa. To see this tradition maintained despite earlier trials (Ed: the second round) and amidst troubles in neighbouring Mali is very hopeful for us and for Africa as a whole. It is a proud moment for Senegal. To top this off, the graceful acceptance of the outcome by the outgoing President Abdoulaye Wade, and both leaders' willingness to preserve peace during the handover of power is significant and worthy of praise.” Chambas took advantage of this opportunity to reiterate the ACP Group's commitment to promoting peace, good governance and democracy among all its members and said: “We cannot underestimate the criticality of these principles in bringing about stability and prosperity to our societies, and we look towards Senegal as one of the key examples of this process.” Macky Sall will begin his new duties on 1 April.
On the other hand, the ACP Group expressed its deep concern regarding the coup d'état in Mali on 23 March. The event was described as “a major setback for constitutional democratic governance in that country and in Africa”. In an official declaration, the ACP Group added: “The action of the renegade troops is intolerable especially as it comes barely a month before scheduled presidential elections in Mali in which Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure is not a candidate. It also now creates disunity and undermines the esprit de corps within the military at a time it should be united in confronting the rebellion in the North of the country.”
The ACP Group joins the AU, the ECOWAS and the International Community in calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule in Mali. (AN/transl.fl)