DECISION ON THE REPORT OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY
COUNCIL ON ITS ACTIVITIES AND THE STATE OF
PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA
Doc. Assembly/AU/6(XXXII)
The Assembly,
TAKES NOTE of the continued efforts made towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis in Libya, including those of the neighbouring countries and the AU High- Level Committee on Libya, as well as the Conference held in Palermo, Sicily in November 2018. The Assembly REQUESTS the Chairperson of the Commission to expedite efforts aimed at convening in Addis Ababa, in 2019, an international conference on reconciliation in Libya under the auspices of the AU and UN. The Assembly TAKES NOTE of the efforts exerted towards finding a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Libya, in line with provisions of the Agreement signed by the Libyan parties in 2015, in Skhirat, Morocco. The Assembly ALSO TAKES NOTE of the conclusions of the Ministerial Meeting of the neighbouring countries of Libya held in Khartoum on 29 November 2018. The Assembly REITERATES the AU’s continued commitment to continue to work with Libyan stakeholders, neighboring countries, regional and international organizations with a view to bringing lasting peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Libya;
COMMENDS the Malagasy people and stakeholders for the smooth and peaceful conduct and conclusion of the presidential election process. The Assembly CONGRATULATES President Andry Rajoelina for his election and REAFFIRMS to him the commitment of the AU to continue accompanying Madagascar in its journey towards enhancing democracy and development. The Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to the AU Commission, in particular the High Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission for Silencing the Guns in Africa, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra for his tireless efforts towards stability and reconciliation in Madagascar, as well as the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission for Madagascar, Madame Hawa Ahmed Yousouf;
REAFFIRMS its commitment to peace and stability in The Comoros, recalling that the AU is the Guarantor of the Framework Agreement for Reconciliation in The Comoros, signed in Fomboni, on 17 February 2001. In this regard, the Assembly TAKES NOTES of the positive evolution in the political situation in The Comoros and COMMENDS the Comorian stakeholders for the promotion of the much needed peaceful political climate between the Government and the opposition. The Assembly EXPRESSES gratitude to the Chairperson of the Commission for his relentless efforts and engagement with a view to bringing together the two parties to a frank and constructive dialogue. Furthermore, the Assembly URGES the parties to demonstrate restraint through dialogue and consultation, in particular with regard to the upcoming elections. The Assembly also COMMENDS the Union of The Comoros for having invited all bilateral and multilateral partners, including the AU Commission, to be on the ground in The Comoros before and during the planned election, in order to ensure a credible, free and transparent process;
COMMENDS the Federal Government of Somalia for the continued progress made in implementing the Somali Transition Plan (STP). The Assembly ALSO COMMENDS the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for its critical role in degrading the capacities of Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups in Somalia, as well as in the implementation of the STP. The Assembly, ONCE AGAIN, PAYS TRIBUTE to the AMISOM Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs), for the immense sacrifices made in the promotion of peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Somalia. The Assembly further COMMENDS the Federal Government and the Federal Member States for their efforts in promoting durable solutions, in a peaceful manner, to challenges facing their country, which will facilitate the enhancement of the federal system, as well as the implementation of the National Security Architecture and the electoral processes, in 2020-2021, particularly the need for universal suffrage that will allow the Somali people to express its will on the future of their country;
COMMENDS the Government of Sudan and United Nations-African union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) for their collaborative efforts that facilitated the continued implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 2429 on the drawdown of the Mission. The Assembly UNDERSCORES the need for durable peace in Darfur through investment in sustainable development projects. In this regard, the Assembly ENCOURAGES the Commission, together with the UN, to undertake appropriate initiatives with a view to ensuring mobilization of adequate funds for post-conflict reconstruction and development in Darfur. The Assembly URGES the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-N, with the support of the All High Level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan (AUHIP), to continue working towards finding a lasting solution to the issue of the Two Areas of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, including creating conducive conditions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the population in need, and COMMENDS the continued engagement of the Government of Sudan in this regard;
WELCOMES the commitment of Presidents Omar Hassan Al Bashir and Salva Kiir Mayardit to secure peace between their two countries through the Cooperation Agreements of 2012 and 2013, and ENCOURAGES the two countries to sustain their efforts towards promoting good neighbourliness that will contribute in ensuring the building of two viable states, living side by side in peace and harmony. The Assembly CALLS ON the two countries to address the final status of Abyei in order to further enhance their common border security and ENCOURAGES them to also continue cooperating with the AUHIP to resolve the outstanding issues as outlined in the Cooperation Agreement relating to their common border, including Abyei and other disputed areas;
WELCOMES the signing of the Revitalized-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic South Sudan (R-ARCSS) on 12 September 2018. The
Assembly COMMENDS the South Sudanese stakeholders for the leadership demonstrated since the signing of the R-ARCSS and CALLS ON the opposition groups that have not yet done so to join the Agreement without any preconditions. The Assembly ALSO CALLS ON the South Sudanese parties to faithfully implement the R-ACRSS, in order to give chance to this renewed peace process and ENCOURAGES the international community to provide both political and financial support to the peace process, especially the implementation of the security arrangements. The Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to the Heads of State and Government of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for their tireless efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace, security and stability in South Sudan. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the African Union High Level Ad Hoc Committee to sustain its support to the peace process, including through supporting the Independent Boundary Commission (IBC). The Assembly CALLS ON AU Member States, as well as the international community to support the AU Mission in South Sudan, with a view to ensuring AU’s effective support to the peace process. The Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to H.E. Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana, for his illustrious leadership of the JMEC since its inception, and CALLS ON the IGAD to expedite the designation of his successor;
COMMENDS the leaders of the Horn of Africa region for the positive developments witnessed in the region, which are critical steps towards consolidating peace and stability in this part of the continent. The Assembly REITERATES the AU’s commitment to support the ongoing process between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as the Joint Declaration between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, the Process between Eritrea and Djibouti, and ENCOURAGES the AU Member States to support the region’s efforts to consolidate peace and facilitate effective regional integration as part of the overall Continental integration effort. The Assembly ALSO COMMENDS Presidents H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti and H.E. Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea for their efforts and commitments to normalize the relations between the two countries, in the framework of relevant PSC Communiques and UN Resolution 2444 (2018).The Assembly ENCOURAGES the PSC, with the support of the Commission, including through the AUHIP, to continuously engage on the changing dynamics in the Horn of Africa. In this regard, the Assembly UNDERSCORES the need for intensified consultations at various levels for the early convening of the Conference on Peace, Security, Stability Cooperation and Development in the Horn of Africa (CPHA), pursuant to its Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.472 (XX) adopted at its 20th Ordinary Session held on 27 and 28 January 2013;
WELCOMES the peaceful organisation of the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and COMMENDS the people and the leadership of the DRC for a landmark peaceful transition. The Assembly CONGRATULATES H.E. FelixAntoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi for his election as President of the DRC and REAFFIRMS AU’s commitment to continue working with the DRC Government and all other Congolese stakeholders towards peace, security, stability and socio-economic development in the DRC. In this respect, the Assembly
ENCOURAGES all Congolese stakeholders to uphold their country’s supreme interests above all other considerations and work together. The Assembly APPEALS to AU Member States and the international community to support the new authorities in the DRC in their efforts to consolidate peace, security and stability in their country and the region. The Assembly REITERATES its request to the European Union to immediately lift the targeted sanctions imposed against some of the Congolese political actors;
WELCOMES the signing on 6 February 2019 of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic between the Government and the armed groups of the Central African Republic, under the auspices of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR. The Assembly COMMENDS the Chairperson of the Commission and the Commissioner for Peace and Security, working together with countries of the region and the United Nations, for their renewed efforts and initiatives that made it possible to conclude this Agreement negotiated during the direct Political Dialogue in Khartoum, Sudan. The Assembly URGES all CAR stakeholders to place the interests of their country above all other consideration and uphold their commitment and work together, in good faith, in the implementation of the Agreement. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the Commission, the countries of the region and the partners to provide the necessary support to the effective implementation of the Agreement that should go a long way in contributing to the restoration of sustainable peace, security, stability and reconciliation in CAR. The Assembly RECOGNIZES the efforts of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, and particularly the Kingdom of Morocco, Chair of the UN Configuration of the CAR, in its efforts and commitment as it continues to mobilize support for the peace efforts in the CAR. The Assembly CALLS ON AU Member States and the international community to support and strengthen the Central African Republic National Recovery and Peace Building Program;
CONGRATULATES the Government of Burundi on initiating the preparatory process for the elections, especially the establishment, on 31 August 2018 of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), according to the Burundian Electoral Code, as well as a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), in line with the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, signed on 28 August 2000. In this regard, the Assembly, ONCE AGAIN, WELCOMES the statement made by President Pierre Nkurunziza not to stand as candidate for the presidential election in 2020, and URGES the Government and the political parties to work together for the smooth conduct of the next elections. The Assembly EXPRESSES APPRECIATION to the East African Community, in particular, to President Yoweri K. Museveni of Uganda, the Mediator, as well as to the Facilitator, former President Benjamin Mkapa, and STRESSES THE NEED for renewed initiatives, with the support of the AU, to accompany Burundians in their efforts for consolidating peace and security in their country. The Assembly REITERATES its request to the European Union to immediately lift the unilateral sanctions imposed on the Republic of Burundi;
EXPRESSES FULL SUPPORT to the on-going efforts in Guinea Bissau, under the leadership of ECOWAS and ENSURES all stakeholders of the AU’s readiness and determination to continue supporting Bissau Guineans to overcome the challenges they are currently facing, while preparing for the legislative elections to be held in March 2019. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the Government and parties in Guinea Bissau to develop and ensure the adoption of a Code of Conduct, in line with the shared values and relevant instruments of the AU, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The Assembly COMMENDS all multilateral and bilateral partners for their support for the organization of the planned elections and CALLS ON all AU members States and the larger international community to continue extending the necessary logistical and financial support to Guinea Bissau in this crucial phase of its democratic construction. The Assembly ALSO COMMENDS the important role being played by ECOMIB in consolidating peace in Guinea Bissau, despite the operational and financial challenges, and UNDERSCORES THE NEED for continued financial support for the maintenance of ECOMIB operations, until the necessary capacitation of the Guinea Bissau national security forces is accomplished;
CONGRATULATES H.E. Boubacar Keita, for his election as President of the Republic of Mali, and ENCOURAGES the Malian parties to the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali emanating from the Algiers Process, to redouble efforts towards more effective and expedited implementation of their commitments. The Assembly REAFFIRMS, ONCE AGAIN, the centrality of the Algiers Agreement in stabilization efforts with the support of MINUSMA and the fight against terrorist groups that will be more and more isolated through a better implementation of the Agreement. The Assembly ENCOURAGES all Malian stakeholders to faithfully engage in dialogue and build the largest consensus possible around the institutional and constitutional reforms envisaged in line with the Agreement and the deepening of democracy in the country. The Assembly STRONGLY CONDEMNS all terrorist attacks in Mali and STRESSES THE NEED for efforts to stop the spill over of terrorist attacks in central Mali. The Assembly ALSO STONGLY COMDEMNS the recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso and ENCOURAGES the Commission to continue its efforts aimed at addressing the fragility of the security situation in the Sahel, in close collaboration with countries of the region, through the Nouakchott Process, and the partners including through effectively addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. The Assembly REITERATES ITS APPEAL to the international community to lend the necessary support to the G5 Sahel Joint Force, including appropriate, predictable and durable funding that will allow the Force to conduct its heavy mandate consisting in fighting terrorism and transnational organized crime and CALLS for the scaling up of strategic support by the AU Member States and the Commission towards the full operationalization of the G5 Sahel force in order to effectively combat terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
The Assembly WELCOMES the outcome of the G5 Sahel Summit held in Ouagadougou, on 5 February 2019. The Assembly;
TAKES NOTE of continued efforts by the countries of the Lake Chad Basin to neutralize the Boko Haram terrorist group, through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and CALLS ON the Commission to continue and intensify All’s support to the countries of the region in their fight against Boko Haram. The Assembly WELCOMES the outcome of the Ministerial Conference of the Lake Chad Basin Member States in collaboration with the Commission and the UNDP held on 30 August 2018, in Abuja, Nigeria, which validated and adopted the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience of the region, inline with the UN Security Council Resolution 2349. The Assembly CALLS UPON the Member States of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to support the development of a clear roadmap and a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy for the implementation of the Strategy. The Assembly ALSO CALLS ON the newly established African Union Development Agency (AUDA/NEPAD) to play a leading role in the implementation of the Strategy by, among other things, contributing to the elaboration of the implementation roadmap and resource mobilization plan. The Assembly REITERATES ITS CALL on all AU Member States, RECs/RMs and the larger international community to extend the necessary financial and technical assistance to support the implementation of the Strategy, including additional support for the MNJTF so as to consolidate the security gains thus far made. The Assembly COMMENDS the convening of an International Conference on Saving the Lake Chad by Nigeria in collaboration with LCBC and UNESCO, from 26 to 28 February 2018, which drew attention to the multifaceted socio-economic crisis and increased insecurity caused by the shrinkage of the Lake over the last three decades, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to resuscitate the Lake, as called for by the PSC in the communique PSC/PR/BR. (DCCLXXIV) of its 774th meeting held on 21 May 2018. In this regard, the Assembly ENDORSES the outcome of the Conference (Abuja Declaration), in particular the Inter-Basin Water Transfer (IBWT) Initiative as a pan-African project to restore the Lake Chad and to promote navigation, industrial and economic development;
COMMENDS the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Commission for their active role in efforts to operationalize the AU PCRD Centre, and CALLS FOR the expeditious conclusion the Host Agreement for the Centre. In this context, the Assembly EXPRESSES APPRECIATION to Egypt for availing land and other facilities for the Centre. The Assembly ENCOURAGES Member States to provide the necessary resources, particularly funding, to support the full operationalization of the Centre. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the ongoing consultations between ECCAS and the Commission for the process of finalizing the ECCAS Policy and Strategy on PCRD, and URGES the Commission to ensure the finalization of these documents in a timely manner, in order to facilitate implementation of PCRD initiatives in the region;
REAFFIRMS ITS DETERMINATION to reinforce its efforts towards better and more effective conflict prevention action in Africa. In this respect, the Assembly ENCOURAGES Member States to take full advantage of the structural conflict prevention tools developed by the Commission, including the Country Structural Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment (CSVRA) and the Country Structural Vulnerability Mitigation Strategy (CSVMS), and to enhance the capacities of youth to meaningfully participate in peace and security issues at the national, regional and continental levels. The Assembly ALSO ENCOURAGES Member States to continue supporting the work of the Panel of the Wise in its contribution to peace efforts within the Continent, and UNDERSCORES THE NEED for Member States to enhance the capacities of women to participate in conflict prevention and mediation efforts at the national, regional and continental levels;
COMMENDS the PSC for its continued efforts in the further enhancement of the African Standby Force (ASF), including the ongoing steps to facilitate the harmonization of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC) within the ASF Framework and to ensure that the Continental Logistic Base, in Douala, Cameroon, is fully operational and that the ASF Regional Logistic Depots are established. In this context, the Assembly REQUESTS the Commission to expedite the implementation of the provisions of the PSC Communique [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXXI)], including the matrix adopted at the 821st PSC Meeting held on 9 January 2019 with regard to the harmonization of ACIRC within the ASF Framework;
EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN at the increasing terrorist attacks in parts of the continent and REITERATES its condemnation of all acts of terrorism committed on the continent by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes and ALSO REITERATES the AU’s determination to rid Africa of the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances. The Assembly EXPRESSES the AU’s full solidarity with the affected countries and the victims of terrorism. The Assembly WELCOMES the efforts made by Member States to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism, through enhanced legislation, operational capability and coordination among relevant national structures and ACKNOWLEDGES the contribution of African Institutions dedicated to support Member States in their fight against terrorism, namely CISSA, ACSRT and AFRIPOL particularly in the provision of counter-terrorism early warning, analysis and capacity building. The Assembly EXPRESSES CONCERN that, despite the progress made in developing a comprehensive normative and operational counter-terrorism framework, serious gaps continue to exist in terms of implementation and follow-up, thus undermining the effectiveness of Africa’s response to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. In this respect, the Assembly STRESSES THE URGENT NEED for an action-oriented approach to give concrete expression to the commitment made by the Member States to combat terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations and ENCOURAGES them to develop comprehensive national counter-terrorism strategies covering prevention, response, reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Assembly CALLS ON the Member States to promote exchange of experience in the field of countering violent extremism and hate speech;
ENDORSES the decision of the PSC to request the Commission, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to explore ways to strengthen the existing AU and RECs/RMs mechanism on child protection and on that basis develop a child protection architecture for the Continent as a sub-aspect of APSA, to be considered and adopted by the PSC. In addition, the Assembly CALLS UPON the RECs/REMs to designate focal points on protection of children affected by armed conflicts to facilitate effective coordination with and efficient functioning of the existing mechanisms for child protection. In this context, the Assembly ENDORSES the PSC request for the Chairperson of the Commission to appoint a Special Envoy on Children in Situations of Conflict, to serve as a high level political interface between children in Africa and the AU. The Assembly FURTHER ENDORSES the decision of the PSC for the establishment of a continental reporting and monitoring framework to provide the AU with accurate, reliable and up-to-date data on the plight of children in situations of violent conflict and crisis;
REQUESTS the AU Commission to mainstream responses to the effects of climate change in its policies on refugees and IDPs. The Assembly RECALLS Communique [PSC/PR/BR. (DCCLXXV)] adopted by the PSC at its 775th meeting held on 22 May 2018, and UNDERLINES the importance for Member States to protect IDPs and refugee camps, against any form of militarization and to maintain the civilian character of these camps. The Assembly ENDORSES the PSC decision and REQUESTS the AU Chairperson to appoint an AU special envoy for climate change and peace and security in Africa. The Assembly CALLS ON the AU Commission, in close coordination with the International Organization (UNHCR, OCHA, PAM) as well as the hosting countries, to proceed to the census and registration of refugees and IDPs, taking in consideration the figures submitted by the these relevant international Organisations;
COMMENDS the efforts of the PSC in convening, in Cairo, Egypt from 29 to 31 October 2018, a Retreat dedicated to assessing the status of implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA), with a view to laying a solid foundation for the reform of the PSC, as called for in Decision Assembly/AU.Dec.635 adopted in January 2017. In this regard, the Assembly ENCOURAGES the PSC, working with the RECs/RMs, to continue its efforts and LOOKS FORWARD to receiving the final outcomes of the ongoing efforts, particularly concrete proposals on the reform of the PSC;
ENDORSES the Conclusions of the 6th High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13 to 14 December 2018. The Assembly COMMENDS the efforts made by the African Members of the United Nations Security Council (A3) in promoting and defending African common positions and concerns, decided by AU Policy Organs, within the Security Council. In this respect the Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to Ethiopia for its invaluable contribution, in particular, with regard to efforts aimed at advancing the AU position on the Financing of African Peace and Security Agenda through predictable and sustainable funding to be secured from UN assessed contributions. The Assembly WELCOMES the election of the Republic of South Africa as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and LOOKS FORWARD to South Africa’s contribution in advancing African peace and security Agenda in the UNSC. The Assembly COMMENDS Cote d’Ivoire for having tabled a draft resolution, following its endorsement by the PSC, to the Security Council and REQUESTS the A3 to continue to effectively articulate, defend and promote the African position on this issue. The Assembly ALSO COMMENDS Equatorial Guinea for having tabled a draft resolution on Silencing the Guns by 2020, and CALLS ON all the A3 and the African Group in New York to work together , with a view to facilitating the adoption of this landmark resolution. The Assembly TAKES NOTE of all challenges facing the A3 in their efforts to defend and promote African common positions within the Security Council and REQUESTS the PSC, working with the Commission to find best ways and means for further enhancing support to the work of the A3 in New York.