Sudan: Communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU)on the situation in Darfur and the activities of the AU-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 516th meeting held on 22 June 2015, adopted the following decision on the situation in Darfur and the activities of the AU-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID):

Council,

1. Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in Darfur and the activities of UNAMID [PSC/PR/2(DXVI)], as well as of the introductory remarks made by the Commission and the briefing provided by Ambassador Abiodun Bashua, Acting Joint Special Representative for UNAMID. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of the Government of Sudan;

2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in Darfur, including communiqués PSC/PR/COMM.(CDXXV) and PSC/PR/COMM.(CDXXVI), adopted at its 425th and 446th meetings, held on 24 March and 9 July 2014;

3. Reiterates its firm support to the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) as a viable framework for bringing lasting peace and reconciliation in Darfur. In this context, Council welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the DDPD, as illustrated by the steps recently taken towards the implementation of its final security arrangements; the launching of the Justice, Truth and Reconciliation Commission that is expected to work with the native administration to address the root causes of the conflict in Darfur; and the completion of the outreach programme and the commencement of the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultation (DIDC) process;

4. Encourages the DDPD Parties to expedite their efforts towards addressing the outstanding issues, and calls on the international community to enhance its support to the implementation of the DDPD;

5. Reiterates its appreciation to the UNAMID leadership, in particular the Acting Joint Special Representative, as well as the Force Commander and the Police Commissioner, and the Mission’s personnel, for their dedication and contribution to the promotion of peace, security, stability and reconciliation in the Darfur region of Sudan. Council notes with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of UNAMID’s mandate, particularly with respect to the protection of civilians. In this regard, Council pays tribute to the UNAMID personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for the cause of peace in Darfur;

6. Notes with satisfaction the ongoing efforts by UNAMID to implement the recommendations of the Review conducted by a Joint AU/UN Team in December 2013, and welcomes the progress made in streamlining UNAMID’s components and implementing the strategic priority areas as identified by the Review Team, including the protection of civilians; the facilitation of the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the safety and security of humanitarian personnel; mediation between the Government of Sudan and non-signatory armed movements on the basis of the DDPD, while taking into account the ongoing democratic transformation at the national level; and support to mediation of communal conflict, including measures to address its root causes, in conjunction with the UN Country Team (UNCT);