23 December 2022 – The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (Commission) learnt with great shock of an attempted Coup d’état in the Republic of The Gambia, its Host Country, on Tuesday 20 December 2022.
In accordance with African Union principles on unconstitutional changes of government enshrined in Article 4(p) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union 2000 and Articles 2(4) and 3(10) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance 2007 to which the Gambia is a State Party, the Commission strongly condemns the unconstitutional attempt to overthrow the lawful and democratically elected government of The Gambia.
The Commission commends the commanders and personnel of the Gambian Armed Forces for quashing the illegal change of constitutional authority and restoring law and order in the Republic; and urges that those who are interested in political office and political power should do so in accordance with the lawful exercise of their human and constitutional right to participate in the electoral and governmental processes of the country. This right is recognized in Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Section 53 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Gambia.
On behalf of the Honourable Chairperson of the Commission, fellow Commissioners and staff of the Secretariat, I wish to convey wishes of solidarity and goodwill to the peaceful people of The Gambia and to H.E., President Adama Barrow, for the peaceful manner in which they have handled the failed attempt.
Honourable Commissioner
Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana
Country Rapporteur, Republic of The Gambia
