"Security forces in Gabon must refrain from using excessive force against protesters in the wake of the country’s disputed election result," said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Director, amid reports that several anti-government demonstrators had been shot and injured on Wednesday afternoon.
"Such a brutal response violates protesters’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as inflaming an already tense situation following the vote.
“The authorities must instead do everything in their power to allow for peaceful protest, in order to bring much-needed stability and security after the election period.”
“They must also independently, impartially and efficiently investigate any excessive use of force by security forces, and bring those responsible to justice.
"Such a brutal response violates protesters’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as inflaming an already tense situation following the vote.
“The authorities must instead do everything in their power to allow for peaceful protest, in order to bring much-needed stability and security after the election period.”
“They must also independently, impartially and efficiently investigate any excessive use of force by security forces, and bring those responsible to justice.