CMAG Declarations

Tenth Meeting Of The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group
On The Harare Declaration (CMAG), Marlborough House
8 - 9 October 1998

Joint Statement on Nigeria

1. In the course of its Tenth Meeting, held in London on 8-9 October 1998, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) met with a Nigerian Government delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon Mr Ignatius Olisemeka. Both sides warmly welcomed the opportunity of this dialogue.

2. The Nigerian delegation briefed CMAG in detail on the steps taken by the Government headed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar towards restoring democracy and enhancing respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria. These included the release of political detainees and the transition programme announced by General Abubakar on 20 July 1998, implementation of which has already commenced.

3. CMAG commended the Government of General Abubakar for the positive steps it had taken, which had already significantly changed the political environment in Nigeria and which marked a turning point in Nigeria's relations with the Commonwealth and the international community as a whole. It welcomed in particular the new transition programme and the measures taken to promote human rights and the rule of law, including the release of political detainees and the repeal of many of the decrees over which the Commonwealth had expressed concern. CMAG further welcomed the technical assistance being provided by the Commonwealth Secretariat to the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria in support of the transition programme.

4. Both sides believed that the high-level diplomatic contacts between the Commonwealth and Nigeria and the provision of Commonwealth technical assistance in the support of Nigeria's transition programme mark important steps in the process of full normalisation of relations between Nigeria and the Commonwealth. They looked forward to the successful completion of the transition programme in Nigeria.

5. In recognition of the progress made by Nigeria so far towards the restoration of democratic government, CMAG recommends that member states begin forthwith to lift sanctions in existence against Nigeria.

6. Accordingly, CMAG decided that it should again assess the progress in Nigeria after the Presidential elections of 27 February 1999 with a view to making recommendations to Heads of Government regarding the full return of Nigeria to the Commonwealth family. Meanwhile taking into account the positive developments which have taken place in the country, CMAG recommends that Nigeria resumes participation in those Commonwealth activities which would facilitate its early return to the Commonwealth.

Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division,
Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411; Fax: 0207-839 9081; Telex: 27678

98/71 9 October 1998