Khama condemns Gbagbo power grab

TSHIRELETSO MOTLOGELWA
Staff Writer | Wednesday December 8, 2010 00:00

 

Gbagbo was sworn in last weekend though the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) gave victory to his rival Alassane Ouattara.

Subsequent to the IEC announcement, Ivory Coast's Constitutional Council pronounced the incumbent Gbagbo as the winner.

This caused condemnation from around the world with most countries in support of Ouattara. Botswana, in a statement released from the Office of President urged the Constitutional Council to respect the decision of the IEC, which pronounced Ouattara as the rightful winner of the elections.

Both Gbagbo and Ouattara have sworn themselves in as president. The country remains split with both men claiming the top seat.

'The government of the Republic of Botswana is deeply concerned about African leaders who reject election results that are not in their favour.

Such action not only denies people the right to have leaders of their choice, but also thwarts efforts to maintain peace and security on the African continent,' the statement from the Office of the President said.

International reaction has been sharp with both African Union and the ECOWAS condemning the power struggle in the former French colony.

Western countries such as France and the United States have recognised Quattara as the lawful president, while the UN has also rejected Gbagbo's swearing in.

Meanwhile former South African president Thabo Mbeki has been dispatched to the country's capital under the auspices of the AU to intervene in the crisis which threatens to once again spark civil war in the country.