Decision on the Activities of the Peace and Security Council and the State of Peace and Security in Africa - Doc. Assembly/AU/2(XXVI)

DECISION ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL
AND THE STATE OF PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA
Doc. Assembly/AU/2(XXVI)

The Assembly,

1. TAKES NOTE of the report of the Peace and Security Council on its Activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa;

2. NOTES WITH CONCERN that, despite the tireless efforts that Africa continues to make for the promotion of peace, security and stability, violent conflicts, terrorism and other destabilizing factors, including disease outbreaks and climate change, continue to pose a serious threat to the socio-economic and political equilibrium of our continent;

3. STRESSES ONCE AGAIN the need for a more resolute preventive action to better protect African civilians against the destructive humanitarian consequences from violence of all kinds, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Constitutive Act of the AU;

4. WELCOMES the new advances recorded in Cote d'Ivoire with the successful holding of presidential elections on 25 October 2015, and ENCOURAGES the Ivorian authorities to continue their efforts to deepen the reconciliation process,, in order to sustainably consolidate peace in the country. The Assembly WELCOMES the successful holding of elections in Guinea, as well as the declared readiness of President Alpha Conde to work with all political actors, in a spirit of national cohesion. The Assembly WELCOMES the declaration of the end of the Ebola epidemic in Guinea, after Liberia and Sierra Leone, which thus marks a crucial stage in combating this scourge. The Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to all those who contributed to this important victory against the Ebola epidemic, especially to the Chairperson of the Commission, for her personal commitment in this fight. The Assembly CALLS UPON the international community to increase its support to countries affected in their efforts towards socio-economic recovery;

5. CONGRATULATES the people, the political actors and the civil society of Burkina Faso on the exemplary nature of the Transition in their country, despite the many challenges encountered throughout the process. The Assembly WELCOMES the new authorities, especially the new President of Faso, Roch Marc Christian Kabore. The Assembly PAYS A DESERVED TRIBUTE to the President of the Transition, Michel Kafando, and Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida, for the many sacrifices made and the resilience they have shown. The Assembly URGENTLY APPEALS to Member States and the international community to mobilize adequate emergency assistance for Burkina Faso and its long-term stability, thus contributing to the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law. The Assembly REQUESTS the Commission, in consultation with ECOWAS and the United Nations, to consider, within the framework of the

International Follow-up and Support Group for the Transition in Burkina Faso (GISAT-BF), the modalities for increased support from the international community to Burkina Faso and to agree on the most appropriate mechanism for this purpose;

6. WELCOMES the positive developments in the political situation in Madagascar, and URGES the Malagasy political actors to continue to work for the consolidation of the gains and enhancement of the on-going efforts in the socioeconomic and governance fields. The Assembly APPEALS to the international community to actively participate in the Roundtable scheduled in June 2016 and to CONTINUE to support the efforts of the Malagasy Government to strengthen political stability and revive the development of the country. The Assembly URGES all the Comorian actors to work for the smooth organisation of the elections scheduled for 2016, in compliance with the Constitution, in order to consolidate the significant gains made by the Union of the Comoros on the path to reconciliation and stability, and REITERATES the commitment of the AU, on the basis of its relevant instruments, particularly the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, to contribute to the success of the electoral process. The Assembly APPEALS to the International community to help mobilize the necessary resources for this purpose, and for the long-term development of The Comoros;

7. ALSO WELCOMES the progress made in Somalia towards the realization of Vision 2016, and UNDERLINES the imperative for all Somali political stakeholders to demonstrate the required political will and unity of purpose, in order to consolidate the progress made and successfully conclude the on-going process that will culminate in the holding of elections. The Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to all the AMISOM uniformed and civilian personnel, as well as to the T/PCCs for their continued commitment and the sacrifices made thus far, and APPEALS for the mobilization of adequate support for the Mission to enable it fully discharge its mandate. The Assembly REITERATES the imperative of enhanced command and control for AMISOM, in line with the relevant provisions of the revised harmonized CONOPS, as a critical factor in ensuring the effectiveness of the Mission. The Assembly EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to the international community and URGES its members to continue to provide the necessary support to the Federal Government of Somalia and its institutions. The Assembly REITERATES ITS DEEP CONCERN at the prevailing humanitarian situation, and CALLS FOR a scaled-up humanitarian response;

8. REITERATES ITS CONCERN at the continued impasse in the peace process between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and ENCOURAGES the Commission to take the required initiatives to assist the parties to overcome the challenges at hand. The Assembly CALLS FOR continued efforts to facilitate the normalization of the relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, in line with the relevant provisions of Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.583(XXV);

9. REITERATES ITS SUPPORT to the efforts of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan and South Sudan (AUHIP) aimed at facilitating an inclusive National Dialogue, as well as at achieving cessation of hostilities in Darfur and the two states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The Assembly NOTES WITH SATISFACTION the readiness expressed by the parties to overcome their differences and URGES them to continue to fully cooperate with the AUHIP and demonstrate the required political will. The Assembly CALLS for renewed efforts towards addressing the challenges at hand in the Darfur region and REITERATES ITS SUPPORT to United Nations/African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in discharging its mandate;

10. COMMENDS the Chairperson of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the other leaders of the region, as well as the Team of IGAD Special Envoys, for their sustained efforts in facilitating the signing of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. The Assembly COMMENDS the AU High Representative for South Sudan, the members of the AU High-Level ad hoc Committee on South Sudan and international partners that are members of the IGAD-Plus Mechanism, for their contribution to the finalization and signing of the Agreement. The Assembly FURTHER COMMENDS the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) for his efforts in support of the South Sudanese stakeholders towards the full implementation of the Agreement. The Assembly REITERATES the AU's full support to the Agreement, and the President of JEMEC and CALLS ON all the South Sudanese parties to abide scrupulously by its terms. The Assembly CONGRATULATES the members of the AUCISS for the commitment shown in discharging their mandate, and EXPRESSES ITS FULL SUPPORT for the implementation of the communique PSC/AHG/COMM.1(DXXVII) adopted by the PSC at its meeting of 26 September 2015. The Assembly APPEALS for enhanced humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations;

11. WELCOMES the positive rapprochement between The Sudan and South Sudan. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the two countries to make renewed efforts towards the effective implementation of the Cooperation Agreement, in particular with respect to border and security issues, and to fully take advantage of the facilitation role of the AUHIP. The Assembly UNDERLINES the need for the parties to live-up to their commitments under the June 2011 Agreement on Abyei, as well as to give a new impetus to efforts aimed at addressing the final status of the Area. The Assembly REITERATES ITS APPEAL to the international community to provide the required support to the Joint Approach, in order to help Sudan and South Sudan achieve their shared vision of two viable states living side-by-side in peace and working together on issues of common concern, The Assembly FURTHER ENCOURAGES the AUHIP to continue its exemplary efforts in support of both countries to achieve their shared vision for a peaceful and secure region;

12.

13. EXPRESSES ITS DEEP CONCERN about the continuing political impasse in Burundi, and the level of insecurity and violence which resulted in an acute humanitarian and economic crisis, including internal displacement of people and refugee flows into the neighbouring countries. The Assembly STRESSES that there is a deep rooted problem in Burundi and the Government of Burundi should not deny this reality, as such a denial will neither help this country nor the region. The Assembly ALSO STRESSES the imperative need for an inclusive Inter-Burundian Dialogue and URGES the Government and all Burundian stakeholders to respond without delay, to the call of the Mediator for the continuation of the Dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania. The Assembly TAKES NOTE of the request expressed to the AU Commission by the Government of Burundi on the security challenges that Burundi is facing on its borders, as well as its concern about illegal circulation and trafficking of arms, the militias and armed groups in the country that should be disarmed and disbanded, as part of the efforts to restore security in the country; and in this regard, the Assembly DECIDES to dispatch a high-level delegation of Heads of State and Government of the Assembly to Burundi to consult with the Government as well as other Burundian actors on the inclusive dialogue and the contribution of the AU to the stabilization and resolution of the crisis in Burundi. The Assembly REQUESTS the Commission to take the necessary measures to facilitate the visit of the high level delegation;

14. REITERATES the importance of the effective implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for DRC and the Region and WELCOMES the progress made, including through the revitalisation of its governance structures, especially as the Region continues to face serious challenges to peace and security. The Assembly ALSO WELCOMES the approval by the 6^th meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the recommendations made to this effect by the Ministerial Retreat in Nairobi. The Assembly REITERATES the urgent need, with the support of MONUSCO, to neutralise the negative forces in Eastern DRC, including the FDLR and the terrorist group ADF. The Assembly URGES all the parties concerned to accelerate the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration, particularly in view of the delays in the granting of amnesty to the former combatants of M23 and their repatriation to the DRC, bearing in mind that many of them have been already amnestied. The Assembly EXPRESSES ITS SUPPORT to the Conference on Investment by the private sector in the Great Lakes Region scheduled in Kinshasa in February 2016, as a crucial element for the sustainable promotion of peace and security in this region;

15. WELCOMES the successful holding of the constitutional referendum and the presidential election held in December 2015, in the Central African Republic. The Assembly URGES the Central African actors to endeavour resolutely for the successful conclusion of the Transition on 31 March 2016, as agreed during the

ECCAS Summit held on 25 November 2015 in Libreville. The Assembly EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION to the countries of the region and international partners for their continued commitment and multifaceted assistance to the RCA, and APPEALS for the mobilisation of the resources necessary to enable the newly elected government to take up the challenges related to the humanitarian situation and the functioning of the State, particularly in the provision of basic services. The Assembly CONGRATULATES the AU Special Representative, Head of MISAC, on the initiatives and activities carried out in support to the efforts of the authorities of the Transition for the restoration of the constitutional order and the stabilisation of the CAR;

13. ALSO WELCOMES the progress made to date in the fight against the Lord Resistance Army (LRA), thanks to the efforts deployed within the framework of the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the LRA (RCI-LRA), and NOTES that the LRA continues to pose a serious threat to civilian populations. The Assembly COMMENDS the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the Regional Task Force (RTF) for their efforts and URGES them to sustain their efforts, and fulfill their pledges in terms of strengthening the troops to be deployed. The Assembly WELCOMES the consultations undertaken with international stakeholders to enhance coordination in the counter-LRA operations and CALL ON all partners to pursue and enhance their support to the AU-led efforts aimed at eliminating the threat posed by this group;

14. FURTHER WELCOMES the progress made in the operationalization of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), as well as in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the countries of the region to persevere in their efforts and to enhance their cooperation within the framework of the MNJTF. The Assembly COMMENDS the Commission for the steps taken, in support of the operationalization of the MNJTF, including the upcoming donors’ Conference, scheduled for 1 February 2016. The Assembly EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to African States and the international partners for the support provided to the MNJTF, and APPEALS for intensified international mobilization to degrade and defeat Boko Haram terrorist group and to assist the populations affected by the attacks by this group and the countries hosting refugees fleeing the atrocities committed by this terrorist group. The Assembly STRESSES, once again, the need to complement the military and security operations against the Boko Haram terrorist group by sustained national and regional efforts, to improve livelihoods, promote education and job creation, as well as ensure the protection of human rights, particularly those of women and girls;

15. URGES the Head of State and the Guinea Bissau politicians to find a definitive solution to the institutional crisis, to enable the country embark on the priority area of socio-economic recovery and peace building through the implementation of the necessary reforms concerning the fight against impunity and national reconciliation, particularly the reform of the Defence and Security Sectors. The Assembly STRESSES the importance of respecting the Constitution and,

EXPRESSES its support for a revision of the Constitution, as that would make it possible to clarify the Articles that were the sources of divergent interpretations. The Assembly SUPPORTS the development of a Stability Pact and the process of organising a conference on national reconciliation;

13. WELCOMES the dynamics emerging from the signing and early implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, while underscoring the need for a lasting peace for the entire Sahel region. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the Malian parties to pursue, with determination and in good faith, their efforts for the implementation of the Agreement within the framework of the Agreement Monitoring Committee, which, during its High-Level Meeting held in Algiers on 17 and 18 January 2016, welcomed the progress made. The Assembly URGES the international community to continue and intensify its support, including financial, to the on-going efforts. The Assembly REITERATES its firm condemnation of the terrorist attacks against Mali, welcoming the Assessment Mission planned in relation to the proposed establishment of an Intervention Force in northern Mali, as decided by the Meeting of Ministers of Defence of the countries participating to the Nouakchott Process held in Bamako, from 2 to 4 September 2015. The Assembly REITERATES its support to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and to its Troop Contributing Countries. The Assembly UNDERSCORES the imperative to further pool the regional efforts in order to face the global threat of terrorism by accelerating the implementation and coordination of initiatives underway within the context of the Nouakchott Process and the G5 Sahel, particularly the establishment of a rapid intervention force to enhance the fight against terrorism in North Mali and the Sahel in general. The Assembly REQUESTS the Commission to fully support the G5 Sahel within the framework of the realization of its objectives. The Assembly URGENTLY APPEALS to the international partners to further increase their support to the countries of the Sahel which continue to face serious threats to peace and security and socio-economic consequences of the degradation of the environment. In this regard, the Assembly REQUESTS the Commission to conduct the necessary consultations with a view to the holding of an International Conference on Peace and Development in the Sahel, to be held under the joint auspices of the AU, the UN and ECOWAS;

14. REITERATES the AU’s call for the early resolution of the four-decade long conflict in Western Sahara, in full respect of the international legality. The Assembly APPEALS to the UN Security Council to fully assume its responsibility in this respect, with the view to achieving a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara, in the context of arrangements consistent with the UN principles and purposes. The Assembly REITERATES ITS CALL to the UN General Assembly regarding the determination of a date for the holding of the self-determination referendum for the people of Western Sahara and protection of the integrity of the Western Sahara as a non-self-governing Territory from any act, which may undermine it, including protection of its natural resources, as well as

addressing the situation of human rights in the occupied territories and the camps. The Assembly CONDEMNS the delaying of the visit of the UN Secretary General to the territory and CALLS for early accomplishment of the visit of Ban Ki-Moon in the region to expedite a peaceful solution to the conflict. The Assembly REITERATES the declaration adopted at its 24^th Ordinary Session held in Addis Ababa, from 30 to 31 January 2015, regarding the convening by the Crans Montana Forum, a Switzerland-based organization, of a meeting in the occupied city of Dakhla, in Western Sahara. In view of the intention of this entity to convene a similar event in the Territory, in 2016, the Assembly CALLS ON Crans Montana to desist from this activity and APPEALS to all Member States, African civil society organizations and other relevant actors to boycott any such event¹;

13. WELCOMES the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement and CALLS ON the international community to provide the necessary technical, security, and counter­terrorism assistance to the new Government of National Accord. The Assembly ALSO CALLS UPON all Libyan stakeholders, who have yet to endorse the Agreement, to do so expeditiously. The Assembly STRESSES its deep concern at the prevailing humanitarian and security situation in the country, STRONGLY CONDEMNS all acts of violence and REITERATES that there is no military solution to the current crisis. The Assembly COMMENDS the ICG-L and the neighbouring countries for their sustained efforts and positive contribution to the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement. The Assembly DECIDES to establish the High Level Committee of Heads of State and Government, as agreed in the Communique of the Peace and Security Council of 23 September 2014to enable the AU support more effectively the efforts of peace and reconstruction in Libya and consolidate the outcome of the initiatives of the neighbouring countries aimed at ending the hostilities and bringing about national reconciliation. The Committee is composed as follows, and includes the High Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission for Libya as a member of the Committee: the President of the Republic of South Africa, the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the President of the Republic of Gabon, the President of the Republic of Niger and the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; The Assembly REQUESTS the Commission to provide all the necessary support to the High Level Committee to enable it fulfil its mandate and to report on the implementation of this decision through the PSC at the next ordinary session of the Assembly scheduled for July 2016;

14. ALSO WELCOMES the Report of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO) and the subsequent report of the UN Secretary-General, and EXPRESSES FULL SUPPORT for the communique adopted by the PSC at its 547^th meeting, held in New York. The Assembly FURTHER WELCOMES the consultations undertaken by the Commission with the UN Secretariat and members of the UN Security Council, and UNDERLINES the urgency of finalizing the AU-UN framework for an enhanced partnership in the area of peace and security. The Assembly REITERATES the AU’s commitment to implement the decision made at the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly that AU Member States should contribute 25% of the cost of AU efforts on peace and security, including AU-led peace operations. Furthermore, the Assembly REQUESTS the Chairperson of the Commission to formally write to the UN Secretary general to outline the parameters of the types of support the AU would seek from the UN, including the types of operations the AU plans to seek financing for from the UN, as well as other relevant issues, including interaction, both at strategic and operation levels, between the AU and the UN, in the context of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, building both on the PSC communique of 26 September 2015 and the consultations held with the UN and members of the UN Security Council. The Assembly WELCOMES the appointment, by the Chairperson of the Commission, of Dr. Donald Kaberuka as her High Representative for AU Peace Fund, and LOOKS FORWARD its interaction with member States, the UN and other relevant partners. The Assembly REITERATES ITS CALL to all Member States to support this initiative within the relevant UN organs, and URGES AU partners to do the same, as part of the overall efforts to advance collective security;

15. COMMENDS the efforts undertaken by the Commission, Member States, RECs and the international partners to advance the implementation of the regional and international regimes against illicit SALW and WMD. The Assembly STRESSES UPON Member States the need to renew efforts and commit the required human and financial resources to ensure sustainable action. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the PSC to pay particular attention to the threat posed by illicit SALW within the wider context of conflict prevention and management, and STRESSES the need for a development-oriented approach of the implementation of the regional and international WMD regimes, including through the convening of an open session of the PSC to generate the required momentum and start a dialogue towards this end;

16. RECALLS Article 7 (3) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the PSC, which affirms that “Member States agree to accept and implement the decisions of the Peace and Security Council, in accordance with the Constitutive Act”. In this regard, the Assembly REITERATES that the African Members of the UN Security Council have special responsibility to ensure that the decisions of the PSC are well reflected in the decision making process of the UNSC on peace and security issues of concern to Africa. In light of the above,, the Assembly REQUESTS the African members of the United Nations Security Council (A3), working with the Commission, including the AU Permanent Mission to the UN, to present reports through the PSC to Assembly, on their efforts within the Security Council and the extent to which they managed to promote African positions as articulated by the PSC. The Assembly FURTHER REQUESTS the PSC to provide timely guidance to the African members of the UNSC to facilitate consistency in the promotion and defense of African positions on issues of concern to the continent. In this regard, the Assembly APPROVES the conclusions of the third edition of the High-level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa, held in Oran (Algeria) from 20 to 22 December 2015 and CONGRATULATES the Government of Algeria, in collaboration with the AU Commission, for its continued efforts to facilitate the holding of this Oran annual Forum, as a framework aiming at contributing to the objective of promoting and defending the African Union decisions an positions within the United Nations decision-making process.