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France ‘extremely concerned' over Gabon violence

French foreign minister said there was 'no place for violence in an electoral process' after violent clashes greeted re-election of Ali Bongo.

La rédaction de Mediapart

This article is freely available.

Former colonial power France said Thursday it was "extremely concerned" about post-election violence in Gabon and urged all sides to exercise "maximum restraint," reports RFI.
 
"There is no place for violence in an electoral process," said foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault in a statement, after reports of deadly clashes following the re-election of President Ali Bongo in disputed polls.

"Contesting the presidential election results must be done by legal means, as part of a transparent and impartial process.
"It is in this way that the integrity of the polls can be established beyond doubt", Ayrault said.

Gabon's opposition leader said security forces killed two people and injured 19 more at his headquarters early Thursday, as violence erupted after President Ali Bongo was declared the winner of the contested polls.

Read more of this report from RFI.