Following news of a coup in Gabon this morning, Andrew Rosindell M.P., as Chairman of the APPG on the Commonwealth, has issued a statement on events which are very much developing:
"In my capacity as Chairman of the APPG on the Commonwealth and Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am deeply concerned by the reports of a coup in the Gabon. I urge all parties involved to show restraint and to respect the rule of law.
I was privileged to be present at a ceremony at Marlborough House which formally admitted Gabon and Togo into the Commonwealth only last October. The Commonwealth is a family of nations committed to democracy and good governance. Therefore, the people of Gabon have the right to choose their own government through free and fair elections. I call on all parties to work together to resolve this situation peacefully and democratically."
