The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR):
Welcomes the Final Communiqué of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), meeting on Côte d’Ivoire in Extraordinary Session held on the 7 December 2010 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, which recognizes the results proclaimed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), as certified by the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations , in accordance with Resolution 1765 (2007) of the United Nations Security Council of 16 July 2007, and demonstrates that Mr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara as the elected President of this country.
Supports the Communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (PSC) issued during its 252nd Meeting held on 9 December 2010 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, wherein, it was decided that the participation of Côte d’Ivoire from all activities of the African Union be suspended until such time when the democratically elected President, Mr. Alassane Drammane Ouattara effectively assumes power;
Expresses in the meantime, its grave concern in view of recent developments in Côte d’Ivoire that have seen the resurgence of political tensions and violence;
Consequently deplores the loss of lives and physical assaults registered during public manifestation on 16 December 2010 in Abidjan and in other parts of the country and expresses it deep concern over the dramatic consequences that could result from confrontations between the parties;
Recalls the United Nations Security Council Press Statement of 8 December 2010, in which the Members of the Council:
« … reiterate the readiness of the Security Council to impose targeted measures against persons who attempt to threaten the peace process, obstruct the work of UNOCI and other international actors, or commit serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, as required by paragraph 6 of resolution 1946 (2010).…. and call on all parties to cooperate fully in the operations of UNOCI and ensure its freedom of movement. The Members of the Security Council reiterate their support for UNOCI’s work to advance the Ivorian peace process until its successful completion.»
Welcomes the measures taken by the United Nations and the AU partners in respect of all the perpetrators of violence against unarmed populations.
Supports further the commitment of the Peace and Security Council of the AU to take additional measures against all those who decided to confiscate the will of people which was expressed on 28 November 2010, those who induce to violence, and those who committed human rights violations that took place.
Calls upon all Ivorian parties involved in this delicate phase of the history of their country, to exercise utmost restraint and to refrain from any action that could jeopardize peace and the way out from the crisis.
Urgently appeal to the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), as well as the Armed Forces of the New Forces (FAFN) to desist from confrontation and thus avoid the escalation of violence.
Welcomes with satisfaction the decision of the President of the African Union Commission, Dr. Jean Ping to go to Abuja and Abidjan on 16 December 2010, to meet with the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and the Ivorian parties.
Done in Banjul, 16 December 2010
