Former GCAP leaders call for restoration of political rights

Eight political leaders from the former Groupe de concertation des acteurs politiques (GCAP) have issued a public statement one week after receiving a presidential pardon. The declaration, read by Professor Avocksouma Djona Atchenemou, president of the Les Démocrates party, expressed gratitude for their release, describing the event as a moment where ‘liberty prevailed.’

The released leaders are calling for the full restoration of their civic and political rights, asserting that leading their respective parties is a ‘constitutional right’ rather than a granted privilege. They emphasized that because their legal cases involved misdemeanors rather than crimes, their ability to engage in political activities should remain intact.

Seeking to promote national cohesion, the group advocated for a ‘renewed republican dialogue’ and stressed that a healthy democracy requires free political parties and respectful debate. They also cautioned against any attempts to restrict their political involvement following their release.