Djibouti opposition party FRUD calls for genuine democracy Press Release

Djibouti opposition party FRUD calls for genuine democracy

Press Release

October 22, 2005

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Despite the declaration of multi partism in September 2002, the democratic process in Djibouti is at an impasse. The legislative elections that took place in January 2003 have amply demonstrated the fact that the president of Djibouti is not ready to accept the verdict of the ballot box.

Djibouti is as always in a no-war no-peace situation due to:

• the incapacity of the regime to adequately treat the fundamental and deep causes of the war which has legitimised the maintenance of the political and military structure of FRUD.
• the refusal of Ismail Omar Gelleh to apply the May 12/2001 peace accord with FRUD despite the fact that the agreement had limited content.
• new military garrisons opened even in the remotest areas of the North.

It is clear today that change through the ballot box is almost impossible in the Republic of Djibouti.

FRUD, which had boycotted the January 2003 elections, launches an appeal to the people of Djibouti to get mobilized against the presidential election planned for April 8/2005.

The FRUD fully supports the decision by the legal opposition gathered within the Union of Democratic Alliance to boycott the planned election.

FRUD firmly believes that there is no hurdle anymore to impede the united action of the democratic opposition and thus calls on the Opposition as a whole for a real leap towards assuming its responsibilities. The Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD) calls upon those states with a military presence in Djibouti, namely France and USA, to assume their responsibilities in preventing conflicts and avoiding the worst by backing a democratic transition in Djibouti much as Lebanon for one.

Mohamed Kadamy Youssouf
President of the Provisional Committee of FRUD
Contact in Belgium: 324 7634 2583 • IN FRANCE: 331 4363 0451