The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, concluded his two-day visit to the Gabonese Republic today.

During the visit, on which he was joined by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa, Mr. Aboulaye Bathily, Mr. Feltman inaugurated the new premises of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) on behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in the presence of Minister-Delegate to the Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie, and Regional Integration, Mr. Calixte Isidore Nsie Edang. The premises were made available through the generosity of the Government of the Gabonese Republic, host country for the regional office established in 2010.  Mr. Feltman conveyed the Secretary-General’s sincere appreciation for the hospitality of the people and Government of the Gabonese Republic.

Mr. Feltman also met with the Gabonese authorities, including with President of the Gabonese Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba, key opposition figures and the Conseil national de la démocratie (CND). He expressed deep concern over the growing tensions in the country in the lead-up to the 27 August presidential election and over the use of divisive statements that could lead to outbreaks of violence. In this regard, he urged all political stakeholders to exercise restraint, abstain from any inflammatory statements and maintain a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections, while addressing their grievances through dialogue and legal means. He stressed the importance of holding credible elections with the participation of regional and international observers and with the free participation of media.  He noted that all candidates and political parties, as well as the Government, share responsibility for ensuring that elections are peaceful and credible.

Regarding regional dynamics, Mr. Feltman commended the Gabonese Republic for its support for UNOCA and its active role in support of regional peace and stability, notably in its capacity as Chair of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). He encouraged the Gabonese Republic to remain engaged, together with the countries of the region, in promoting peace, security and development in the Central African Republic.  He seized the opportunity of his meeting with the President in Oyem to thank the Gabonese Republic for its leadership in the fight against poaching in Central Africa, which constitutes a source of funding for illegal armed groups operating in the subregion.

While in the Gabonese Republic, Mr. Feltman also met with the United Nations Country Team and the diplomatic community.