Security Council

6118^th Meeting (AM)

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OVER RESURGENCE

OF UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES OF GOVERNMENT ‘IN A FEW AFRICAN COUNTRIES’

Also Welcomes African Union’s February Decision Condemning

Resurgence of Coup d’Etat as Potential Threat to Continent’s Peace, Stability

The Security Council today expressed its deep concern over the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of Government in a few African countries, at the possible violence that might accompany such events, as well as at the negative impact on the economic and social welfare of the people and the development of affected countries.

In a statement read by May’s President, Vitaly Churkin ( Russian Federation), the Council stressed the importance of expeditiously restoring constitutional order, including through open and transparent elections.

The Council welcomed the continuing important efforts of the African Union and subregional organizations, and welcomed in that regard the decision of the twelfth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held on 1‑3 February, which expressed the Union’s concern and condemnation of the resurgence of coups d’etat.  The Council also welcomed preventive measures undertaken by the African Union and subregional organizations against unconstitutional changes of Government.

Before the President read the statement, the representative of Uganda said he was pleased that the consultations over the past month had produced a text on unconstitutional changes of Government in Africa that was acceptable to all delegations.  The African Union considered the prevention of unconstitutional changes of Government as a key priority, and in its twelfth Session had requested international partners, especially the United Nations, to support the Union’s efforts.  The presidential statement was an expression of the Council’s deep concern about unconstitutional changes, as well as support for the African Union.  The presidential statement would contribute greatly towards efforts aimed at prevention of unconstitutional changes in Africa, now and in the future.

The meeting started at 10:05 a.m. and adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2009/11 reads as follows:

“The Security Council expresses its deep concern over the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of Government in a few African countries.  The Security Council expresses its concern at the possible violence that may accompany such events, as well as the negative impact on economic and social welfare of the people and the development of affected countries.  The Security Council stresses the importance of expeditiously restoring constitutional order, including through open and transparent elections.

“The Security Council reiterates its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and recalls that cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, can improve collective security.

“The Security Council welcomes the continuing important efforts of the African Union and subregional organizations, consistent with Security Council resolutions and decisions, to settle conflicts, promote human rights, democracy, rule of law and constitutional order in Africa.

“The Security Council also welcomes the decision of the twelfth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held on 1-3 February 2009, which expressed the African Union’s concern and condemnation of the resurgence of coups d’état that it concluded not only constitute a dangerous political downturn and serious setback to the democratic processes, but could also pose a threat to peace, security and stability of the continent.

“The Security Council further welcomes preventive measures undertaken by the African Union and subregional organizations against unconstitutional changes of Government.”

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For information media • not an official record