AU PSC/EU PSC AJCM.8
On 16 October 2015, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the European Union Political and Security Committee (EU PSC) held their 8th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, as part of their regular dialogue within the framework of the Africa – EU partnership. The meeting was co‐chaired by Ambassador Rachid Benlounes (Algeria), Chairperson of the AU PSC for the month of October 2015, and Ambassador Walter Stevens, Permanent Chair of the EU PSC. The Joint Meeting brought together Ambassadors of EU Member States and AU PSC Member States. Senior Officials from both the AU Commission and the EU Commission also participated in the joint meeting.
The Joint Consultative Meeting was preceded by the inaugural Informal Joint Retreat of the AU PSC and the EU PSC. Both meetings took place in a constructive atmosphere, facilitating substantial exchange and the convergence of approaches on different topics. The discussion during the Joint Consultative Meeting focused on conflict and crisis situations in Africa namely, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali/Sahel, South Sudan, and Somalia, as well as the enhancement of cooperation between the AU PSC and EU PSC. The Joint Retreat provided a platform for an informal exchange on conflict prevention, mediation, capacity building for peace and security and migration. The outcome of the Joint Retreat is embodied in the AU PSC/EU PSC Co‐Chairs’ Conclusions as annexed to this Joint Communiqué.
On South Sudan, the AU PSC and the EU PSC welcomed the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARC) as the necessary step to end the civil war that has caused thousands in lost lives, wide spread destruction and an appalling humanitarian emergency in the country. They stressed that the ARC needs to be fully implemented as a matter of urgency. Both the AU and the EU will continue to play their role in the implementation process and encourage the other stakeholders to support the process. In particular, the AU PSC and the EU PSC called on the Government of South Sudan to place a moratorium on the implementation of the recent Establishment Order increasing the South Sudan States to 28 in contravention to the ARC; on SPLM/A‐IO to agree on the Transitional Security Arrangements; and on both Parties to refrain from any violation of the permanent ceasefire and allow immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. They also encouraged IGAD to finalise its consultations to appoint the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Chair, and committed to support the establishment of the Hybrid Court as provided by the ARC. They welcomed the publishing of the report of the AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan.
On Somalia, the AU PSC and the EU PSC agreed that a continued strong engagement to support the political process leading to democratisation and federalisation, and the continuation of the military effort against Al Shabaab, will remain the priorities for the AU and the EU. Both Organs encouraged Somali parties and stakeholders to overcome their differences and work together for the achievement of the 'Vision 2016' objectives, in particular regarding the electoral process. Both will continue to support the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), to the level allowed by their respective capabilities, and look forward to the full implementation of its revised Concept of Operations (CONOPs) in order to move towards a more coordinated, more robust, more mobile, more intelligence driven, and better supported force, able to adopt a new strategy to counter and prevail in the asymmetric warfare, deliver basic services in liberated areas, and gradually empower Somali national forces.
They strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks against AMISOM and civilians in the country. They underlined the need for continued support for state building and strengthening of Somali National Army to enable it assume its responsibilities.
Building on the results of their Joint Field Trip to Mali in February 2015, the AU PSC and the EU PSC expressed their strong determination to continue supporting the implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. The AU PSC and the EU PSC stressed the importance of political leadership by the Government of Mali. They encouraged the Government to rapidly implement the necessary reforms in accordance with the Agreement, including structural reforms and effective fight against corruption and impunity. The AU PSC and EU PSC will continue to seek synergies in the operationalisation of their respective Strategies in the Sahel. They expressed concern over the recent coup d'état in Burkina Faso, and commended on the coherent and decisive action of the AU, regional and international partners in swiftly responding and restoring the transitional authorities.
On Libya, the AU PSC and EU PSC reconfirmed their support to the UN led process and the Libyan Political Agreement reached by the UN Secretary General Special Representative Bernardino Leon. Libya has now the historic opportunity to bring to an end the suffering of its people and to put the transition process back on track. The AU PSC and EU PSC will give their full support to the implementation of the agreement and the stabilisation of the country.
In relation to the Central African Republic, the AU PSC and EU PSC expressed its support to transitional authorities for the progress made thus far and encouraged them to spare no efforts in ensuring the completion of the ongoing transition process within the agreed timeline. They stressed that all efforts should be deployed for the timely holding of transparent, credible and inclusive elections before the end of 2015. The AU PSC and EU PSC urged the international community to provide sustained support for the successful conclusion of the transition and the implementation of the priorities established in the Bangui Forum. They condemned the recent upsurge of violence and underlined the need for the perpetrators and instigators of such violence to be held accountable. They called for a robust approach from United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) against armed groups to safeguard the transition and stressed the urgency of Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR) and Security Sector Reform (SSR) activities. They further called on all parties to act responsibly and for the benefit of the people of the Central African Republic, to allow the country to emerge from violent conflict and to move towards sustainable recovery.
The AU PSC and the EU PSC expressed their concern about the continuing tense situation in Burundi. Both PSCs expressed their support to the efforts made at the regional level aimed at contributing to the resolution of the crisis. They welcomed the deployment of AU human rights observers and military experts. They called on all actors to put to an end the violence and to engage in an inclusive political process. The EU updated on action taken on its side, including the launch of article 96 consultations.
The AU PSC and EU PSC agreed to meet again in 2016 in Brussels.