African Union to deploy fact-finding mission to Gabon

 The African Union (AU) has announced that it will shortly deploy a fact-finding mission to Libreville, the capital of Gabon.

AU Commission President Moussa Faki Mahamat is concerned about developments in Gabon with regard to the state of health of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, according to a statement issued by the AU on Saturday night.

Mr. Bongo has been hospitalized since 24 October in Saudi Arabia because of “persistent discomfort and vertigo”.

In consultation with AU Chairman-in-Office and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Faki wished President Bongo a quick and complete recovery, the statement said.

Mr. Faki called on all political actors and institutions in Gabon to show collective leadership during this period to preserve the unity, peace and stability of the country.

He reiterated the AU’s firm commitment to full respect for the constitutional order in Gabon.

The AU will deploy a fact-finding mission to Libreville “as soon as possible,” the statement said.

According to a communiqué from the Gabonese Presidency released on November 11, Mr. Bongo’s health had improved considerably.