Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights implications of the current political and security situation in Gabon, following the military coup there on 30 August; and what information they have on the whereabouts of President Ali Bongo.

The UK echoes the African Union's condemnation of the unconstitutional military takeover of power in Gabon and calls for the restoration of constitutional government, in line with the Commonwealth Charter.

Minister Mitchell has held discussions with African counterparts on recent political events in Gabon during his recent visits to Rwanda and Kenya. He has also spoken with the Commonwealth Secretary-General about the situation. The political and security situation in Gabon appears stable. We understand that President Ali Bongo is in Libreville, and has been released from house arrest under health grounds.