Joint Statement by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration and the Government of Nigeria

1. At its Third Meeting held in London on 24-25 June 1996, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) held a dialogue with a high-level delegation from the Government of Nigeria. Both sides welcomed this dialogue.

2. CMAG raised with the Nigerian Delegation issues of concern to the Commonwealth. These included the situation relating to human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria, in the context of the principles enshrined in the Harare Commonwealth Declaration.

3. CMAG was briefed on the developments which have taken place in Nigeria since November 1995. These relate to the Nigerian Government's determination to implement its transition programme through various concrete steps outlined in the announced programme. In addition, CMAG was informed of the developments since the visit of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria in March/April 1996, which relate to issues of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.

4. Both sides agreed that the constructive dialogue which had taken place needed to be continued. The next meeting will take place as a result of further consultations between CMAG and the Government of Nigeria.

Third Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration Marlborough House, 24-25 June 1996

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

The Gambia
The Group welcomed the Report of the CMAG Ministerial Mission to The Gambia and noted the progress being made on the transition programme. The Group requested the Secretary-General to circulate the Mission's Report to all member governments.

It encouraged Commonwealth member governments and the wider international community to respond to The Gambia's appeal for resources for the electoral process, while recognising that key elements of the process were yet to be put in place. In this regard, CMAG urged an early lifting of the ban on political activity and political parties as part of creating a credible electoral process.

Sierra Leone
The Group warmly welcomed the progress that had been made in Sierra Leone since Presidential and Parliamentary elections in February. It commended the efforts of the Secretary-General and urged him to continue his good offices role in facilitating the peace negotiations between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front.

Next Meeting
The Group agreed to meet again in September 1996 to review progress towards meeting Commonwealth concerns in The Gambia and Nigeria. Pending that meeting, the Group decided to hold in reserve the measures agreed by it in April 1996.

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

96/28 25 June 1996