Addis Ababa, 4 August 2018: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, congratulates the Zimbabwean people and political stakeholders for a largely peaceful elections.

The Chairperson deeply regrets the unfortunate loss of lives in the immediate aftermath of the elections, and extends his condolences to the affected families. He welcomes the commitment of the Zimbabwean authorities to investigate these incidents.

The Chairperson calls on all stakeholders to continue to maintain the peaceful environment that has prevailed before and during the elections. He also appeals to the political actors to rise above their differences and work together to ensure peace, stability and development in their country. He urges any aggrieved party to use the appropriate legal means and/or other disputes resolution mechanisms to address its concerns.

The Chairperson reaffirms the African Union Commission’s commitment and support to the leaders and people of Zimbabwe, and wishes them well in their endeavor to deepen democracy in their country, in line with the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The Africa Union will continue to closely follow the electoral process through its Long Term Observers who will remain in the country until the conclusion of the process.