Fifth Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) New York, 28-29 September 1996

CONCLUDING STATEMENT
The fifth meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration was held in New York, at the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations, on 28-29 September 1996.

NIGERIA
The Group received and discussed the report of the team of senior Commonwealth Secretariat officials, led by the Deputy Secretary-General, which visited Abuja on 9-10 September 1996 for discussions with Nigerian officials on the modalities and dates for a visit to Nigeria by CMAG. The Group also received a briefing from a representative of the United Nations Secretary-General concerning Nigeria's response to the recommendations of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria.

The Group was fully conscious of the need to continue the dialogue begun in June 1996, and of the need for such additional steps as would enable it to complete its ongoing assessment and make recommendations on future measures relating to the situation in Nigeria. In accordance with the mandate given to it by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year in New Zealand to encourage, among other things, respect for human rights and a return to democracy, the Group decided that it would proceed with its visit. The Group agreed that the visit would take place at the earliest possible date convenient to all parties.

THE GAMBIA
The Group regretted that the Gambian authorities had ignored its earlier appeals to extend to the people of The Gambia an unfettered opportunity to elect a democratic civilian government and had proceeded with the Presidential election on 26 September 1996 in a manner which cast serious doubts on the credibility of the poll. It expressed its concern over continuing reports that political opponents of the regime feared for their safety.

CMAG decided to make appropriate recommendations to Commonwealth Heads of Government in the light of the present and future developments in The Gambia, including the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

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