Abuja - Nigeria — Following the unexpected turn of events in Côte d'Ivoire after the run-off of the presidential elections recently held there, the ECOWAS Commission wishes to express its deep disappointment and concern at the anomalies that have attended the leadership transition in that Member State, especially the reported inauguration today of the incumbent President.

This is more so, in view of the part played recently by the ECOWAS Observer Team in ascertaining the true wish of the electorate and the concerted efforts made by ECOWAS and the international Community to ensure peaceful and democratic election in line with the ECOWAS Declaration on Political Principles and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. In the prevailing circumstances, ECOWAS strongly condemns any attempt to usurp the popular will of the people of Côte d'Ivoire and appeals to all stakeholders to accept the results declared by the electoral commission.

The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government will consequently meet in an Extraordinary Summit in Abuja, Nigeria on Tuesday, 7th December, 2010 with the sole objective of examining the situation and deciding on subsequent action on the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire in accordance with the ECOWAS relevant texts.

The ECOWAS Commission hereby appeals to the Ivorian political leaders and the people of Côte d'Ivoire to refrain from any further acts that would lead to violence and deterioration in the fragile situation.