Brussels, 12/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution adopted on Thursday 12 May, MEPs have called for a “thorough” investigation into the transparency of the electoral process when Djibouti went to the polls in April 2016.
Opposition parties and human rights activists allege that the outcome - the re-election of President Ismail Omar Guelleh for a fourth 5-year term of office, with 87.1% of the vote - was down to political repression. MEPs emphasise “the importance of fair elections, free from intimidation” and they regret that the Djibouti authorities refused the EU's offer to send an election observation team. The country's authorities must “work closely with the opposition to produce a fairer and more transparent electoral process”, MEPs add.
The resolution also underlines Parliament's concern over the “stalled democratisation process in Djibouti” and denounces military and police interference in democratic processes. MEPs call on the authorities to guarantee human rights. Parliament also “strongly denounces the rapes committed by Djiboutian soldiers against civilians” and calls on the authorities to conduct a “thorough investigation into the actions of the military in particular and bring an end to impunity”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)