ELEVENTH MEETING OF THE COMMONWEALTH MINISTERIAL ACTION GROUP ON THE HARARE DECLARATION (CMAG)

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

Nigeria

1. CMAG reviewed the progress of the programme for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria announced by the Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on 20 July 1998. In doing so the Group was guided by the reports of the Commonwealth groups that observed all the four elections on which the programme was based. CMAG noted that all these reports concluded that, despite various deficiencies observed, overall conditions existed for the free expression of will by the electorate and in particular, that the Commonwealth Observer Group concluded that the February National Assembly and Presidential Elections constituted a legitimate basis for completion of the transition from military to civilian democratic government.

2. CMAG also reviewed the situation in Nigeria with regard to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. It welcomed the further releases of political detainees which had taken place since the Group's last meeting in October. In this context, the Group also welcomed the fact that the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Nigeria had visited the country in November 1998 at the invitation of the Nigerian Government and that following the Rapporteur's positive report, the UN Commission on Human Rights had decided to conclude its consideration of the situation of human rights in Nigeria.

3. CMAG warmly commended General Abdulsalami Abubakar for the welcome change in the political atmosphere in Nigeria resulting from the positive steps his administration had taken towards the restoration of democracy and enhancing respect for human rights and the rule of law in the country. It expressed the conviction that General Abubakar's leadership and clear commitment to a credible transition to civilian democratic government in Nigeria had been central to the success of the transition programme and instrumental in restoring Nigeria's standing in the Commonwealth and wider international community.

4. CMAG also applauded the commitment and active participation of the Nigerian people in the various stages in the transition process leading to the ending of military rule.

5. Accordingly, CMAG decided to immediately recommend to Commonwealth Heads of Government that Nigeria's suspension from membership of the association be lifted. The Group looked forward to Nigeria fully returning to the Commonwealth with the assumption of office by the newly-elected government on 29 May 1999.

Sierra Leone

6. In keeping with the Commonwealth's continuing support for the democratically-elected government of Sierra Leone, CMAG reviewed developments in Sierra Leone since the Group's last meeting.

7. CMAG welcomed the courageous steps taken by President Kabbah and his administration to engage the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in a meaningful dialogue for peace. It noted the support given to the Government's initiative by the recent National Consultative Conference of Sierra Leonean civil society organisations, and urged the Government to continue to pursue dialogue with the rebel forces with a view to concluding a lasting peace settlement. The Group appealed for further international support to the Government of Sierra Leone's Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programme, which offered combatants the prospect of a way back into civilian life.

8. The Group commended the continuing role played by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in pursuing the twin-track approach to restoring peace and security to Sierra Leone. It recognised the tremendous sacrifices made by ECOMOG's troop contributors, and the generous manner in which regional neighbours had shouldered the burdens of refugee flows from Sierra Leone. It urged further logistical and material assistance to ECOMOG, as well as further support to peace-building and reconciliation efforts being undertaken in Sierra Leone by the United Nations and other international humanitarian organisations.

9. CMAG expressed the hope that the internal RUF consultations taking place in Lome, Togo, would be speedily concluded so that the Government of Sierra Leone and the RUF could begin their discussions. At the same time, CMAG condemned unequivocally the escalation of rebel activity in Sierra Leone and the continuing atrocities being committed by remnants of the junta/RUF forces. It urged the Government and the RUF leadership to work towards a cease-fire.

10. CMAG strongly urged Commonwealth member governments and the wider international community to endorse any action taken by the relevant UN Sanctions Committee against Liberia and Burkina Faso, which continue to provide, directly or indirectly, assistance to the rebels in Sierra Leone.

11. The Group requested the Secretary-General in continuing his good offices role to prepare a Commonwealth Action Plan, to be considered by Senior Officials, in support of the Government of Sierra Leone, United Nations and regional initiatives for the restoration of peace and security in that country. It looked forward to receiving further reports from the Secretariat's participation in the international contact group on Sierra Leone. CMAG encouraged the provision of Commonwealth technical assistance for the enormous challenges of national reconstruction which faced Sierra Leone, and urged member countries to make good the Commonwealth's pledge to assist the Government and people of Sierra Leone in this task.

CMAG's Future Work

12. CMAG considered draft guidelines proposed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General to assist the Group in its future work programme. CMAG decided to refer to a meeting of Senior Officials the task of drawing up proposals for its future consideration on how CMAG could continue to give effect to strengthening democratic processes and human rights in line with the Harare Declaration and in pursuance of its mandate.

The Gambia

13. CMAG reviewed the situation in The Gambia and agreed to continue to keep it under consideration.

Future Meetings

14. CMAG agreed to meet again by the end of September and on the eve of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Durban in November to adopt its Report to CHOGM.

Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678


99/25 29 April, 1999