Deep concern” over Gabon post-election violence

“Deep concern” has been expressed by the UN Secretary-General about the reported acts of arson and clashes between protesters and security forces following presidential elections in Gabon.

Protestors took to streets of the capital, Libreville, after the official election result gave the incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba victory by around 5,500 votes.

Smoke and fire was seen billowing from the national assembly building on Wednesday night.

In a radio message to the Gabonese people the UN chief, Ban Ki-moon, urged all concerned political leaders and their supporters to refrain from further acts that could undermine the peace and stability of the West African country.

And he said that their differences should be addressed peacefully and, if necessary, through existing constitutional and legal channels.

He called on the government to restore communications especially the Internet and mobile text services as well as independent media outlets.

And he called on the security forces to exercise the utmost restraint and to uphold international standards of human rights.

Healthy oceans can drive African prosperity

Healthier oceans can boost African economies and lead to greater prosperity, according to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Jose Graziano da Silva said productive oceans would help to combat rural poverty in Africa and would ensure food security and improve the nutrition of the world’s poorest people.

Here’s the FAO chief speaking at the African Ministerial Conference on Ocean Economies and Climate Change in Mauritius.

“Fisheries, marine culture and aquaculture can be a transformational force as African economies recognize the critical need to diversify beyond land-based activities.”

New Zealand assumes presidency of Security Council

New Zealand has assumed the presidency of the Security Council for the month of September.

The month-long presidency rotates between the 15 members of the Council, five of which are permanent, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and ten non-permanent members, each serving a two-year term.

One of the key issues facing the council is the selection process of the next Secretary-General, who will take office in January 2017.

Daniel Dickinson, United Nations

Duration: 2’08?

Source: United Nations Radio.