Benin protests burning of its embassy in Gabon

Benin's government has strongly protested against "the unfriendly acts" that led Gabonese protesters to burn down its embassy in Libreville on Sunday after the death of Gabon's opposition leader Andre Mba Obame.

A statement from Benin's foreign ministry on Monday called for official explanations from Gabon's government regarding this attack "on the universal principle of inviolability of diplomatic missions that is stipulated in various international conventions."

"This was an unacceptable act which rarely happens in relations between states, regardless of the motivation. The security of diplomatic missions and the protection of their personnel is the responsibility of accrediting governments," said the ministry.

The source added that Beninese government had equally asked Gabon's government to guarantee the security of all Beninese nationals living within Gabon's national territory.

It further asked its citizens living in Gabon to take necessary measures to guard themselves against acts of vandalism and violence orchestrated by the protesters.

The statement concluded by noting that Benin was still committed to promoting friendly relations between the two countries, and thanked Gabon for the legendary hospitality it had accorded its nationals for a long time.

Obame died early on Sunday in Yaounde, Cameroon, after a long illness. The announcement of his death led opposition supporters to start protesting on Libreville streets.

Besides burning down Benin's Embassy, the protesters also attacked Nigeria's Embassy and burnt down three vehicles, the Spokesman for Gabonese Presidency Alain Claude Bilie By Nze confirmed to Xinhua. Endi