UN calls for restraint in Benin following controversial elections

"We are closely
following the evolution of the situation in the Republic of Benin as a result of
the legislative elections of 28 April, in which the opposition parties were excluded
to participate, "said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres.

"We note with
concern the ongoing tensions and unrest, which led to the destruction of
security forces, "he said.

The United Nations
called on all Beninese stakeholders to exercise the utmost restraint and to seek
solutions to their differences through dialogue, he told the regular press
briefing.

the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel
Mohamed Ibn Chambas is in contact with colleagues from the Economic Community of
West Africa, as well as with Beninese stakeholders, with a view to
encourage a consensual and peaceful solution to the situation and preserve
peace and stability for the country, he said.

GNA