Djibloho - The chairperson of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, on Friday in Djibloho, defended the need for a joint effort between member states to guarantee peace, stability and security in the region.
Mr. Mbasogo made the statement at the opening of the 5th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the ECCAS, which has the political crisis in Gabon at the top of the agenda.
The Equatorial Guinean statesman stressed that the challenges posed should be given special attention by all for regional peace and stability to be achieved and guarantee that the population can live in a climate of harmony, security and well-being.
Obiang Mbasogo spoke of the need to find lasting solutions to end the crises in the region, particularly in Gabon, since peace and stability in this country has the same significance for the other member states of the community.
Peace, security and stability are essential elements for the economic and social development of our countries, the ECAAS president said, underlining that these aspects are intrinsically related to the tranquility and harmony that must reign among the populations to enable the normal development of the people of the region.
Obiang Mbasogo added that in recent years there has been witnessed with great concern, a growing trend of hostility and frequent attempts to destabilize the African continent, behavior that represents a step backwards in the political processes legally constituted by the will of the people.
"These are events that we must avoid at all costs," said Obiang Mbasogo, adding that a more in-depth approach based on communitarian and African Union regulations could successfully halt actions that jeopardize the progress, democracy, universal rights and the well-being of communities.
The statesman added that following the reforms carried out in recent years, ECCAS must act immediately to promote a common future in an environment of peace, security and stability, guaranteeing sustainable development, good governance, increasing improvements in citizens' living conditions, justice and freedom.
The ECCAS chairperson added that it is up to member states to demonstrate in all circumstances that the community has indeed evolved and that it is capable of consolidating institutional reforms so that democracy can be the core of the community.
As regard to the situation in Gabon, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo encouraged the ECCAS facilitator, the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Touadera, to work with the transitional authorities and civil society towards a return to constitutional normality, in accordance with the established roadmap.
Obiang Mbasogo urged member states to support Gabon, since it is a sister country with a long tradition of political dialogue, which encourages the community to step up actions in support of the transitional authorities and the Gabonese people.
Mr. Mbaso underlined that the drawing up of the transition timetable calls for greater community solidarity and that the support provided by the community can in no way be seen as support for a military regime, as it is in fact a reaffirmation of respect for the democratic values enshrined in ECCAS.
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo also defended the support of the international community in strengthening assistance to Gabonese people for an inclusive national dialogue for the social inclusion of all.
The Fifth Extraordinary Session of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States focuses on the prevailing situation in Gabon following the coup d'état in August this year.
It is analyzing the report of the ECCAS facilitator for the transition process in Gabon, as well as the recommendations of the President of the ECCAS Commission on the implementation of the decision on the provisional relocation of the Community's headquarters from Libreville to Malabo (Equatorial Guinea).
Gabon was suspended and removed from the body's leadership in September following the coup d'état that removed President Ali Bongo Ondimba from power by a military group.
ECCAS has approved the temporary transfer of the presidency from Gabon to Equatorial Guinea.
The Economic Community of Central African States has drawn up a roadmap to serve as a guideline for the mediator to apply the measures approved by the organization.
ECCAS is made up of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. VM/VIC/AMP
