In a single resolution on the crisis of the rule of law in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (see other article), the European Parliament stated on Thursday 2 February that with the legitimacy of Gabon's President Ali Bongo clearly being challenged, the European Union should prepare for the possibility of imposing targeted sanctions.
Five months after a presidential election for which the official results are still "highly doubtful" (see EUROPE 11614), to use the terms employed in the Parliament's resolution, the crisis continues in Gabon, with "serious violations of human rights". MEPs do not believe that the situation will improve in the near future, as they say the national dialogue proposed by Bongo does not seem very credible or relevant – especially as the main opposition figure, Jean Ping, refuses to take part in it, wanting to launch his own national dialogue.
In such a situation, the Council should not delay in its response, the Parliament states, suggesting that a consultation process be launched under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, "as soon as there is a lack of progress in the intensified political dialogue". MEPs reiterated their call for a reform of Gabon's electoral system (see EUROPE 11632). Should the dialogue prove fruitless, MEPs ask the Council to consider targeted sanctions "on those responsible for the post-electoral violence and human rights abuses, and for undermining the democratic process in the country". (Original version in French by Jan Kordys)