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/5(XXXIII)
The Assembly,
TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Peace and Security Council on its Activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa and ENCOURAGES the Peace and Security Council (PSC), working with the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), with the support of the African Union (AU) Commission to continue enhancing efforts to prevent, manage and resolve conflict and crisis situations. The Assembly further URGES the PSC to continue providing strategic guidance on the implementation of post-conflict stabilization, reconstruction and development programmes in countries emerging from conflicts;
COMMENDS the efforts being deployed by H.E. President Felix Tshisekedi and other leaders of the region to foster peace and stability in the DRC and also to promote good neighbourly relations with and between the countries of the region. In this context, the Assembly REITERATES the imperative of full implementation of the 2013 Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region. The Assembly EXPRESSES its gratitude to MONUSCO, bilateral and multilateral partners of the DRC, for their continued support for the stabilisation of the DRC, as evidenced by the recent peace and stability gains made in the Kasai region. The Assembly CALLS on AU Member States and the larger international community to continue to support the current efforts of the DRC, including in infrastructure development and socio-economic recovery, particularly in the regions affected by insecurity. The Assembly ENCOURAGES Member States to also support efforts in the fight against the Ebola Virus disease outbreak in parts of the DRC. The Assembly CALLS ON the international community to provide financial support to the DDR programme in DRC and encourage all partners to also participate in the Conference for Trade and Investment of the Great Lakes Region scheduled to take place in Kigali, March 2020.
ACKNOWLEDGES the steps taken by the Government of Burundi in addressing the country’s challenges, particularly with regard to preparations for the upcoming elections in 2020, including the establishment, on 31 August 2018 of an Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), in line with the Burundian Electoral Code; and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of 13 members, in accordance with the 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement; the adoption of the Kayanza Roadmap for the elections; and the publication of the electoral calendar by CENI, among others. The Assembly COMMENDS President Pierre Nkurunziza for honouring his commitment not to enlist his candidature in the upcoming 2020 presidential election. INVITES the Government and opposition groups to maintain dialogue aimed at strengthening peace and security as well as creating an enabling environment for socioeconomic development. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the East African Community (EAC), the AU and the United Nations (UN) to closely align efforts in order to give the much-needed impetus to the political process in Burundi. The Assembly COMMENDS the work of the AU Human Rights Observers and Military Experts deployed in the country since 2015 for contributing to promoting cohesion and peace in the country. The Assembly REITERATES ITS CALL on the European Union to lift the sanctions imposed on Burundi, in order to create conducive conditions for facilitating socio-economic recovery in the country.
URGES all Central African stakeholders to ensure that the 2020-2021 general elections are organized as scheduled, in strict compliance with Central African laws and the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation of 6 February 2019. In this context, the Assembly COMMENDS President Faustin Archange Touadera for his efforts to build inclusive consensus in his country, notably through dialogue he initiated with the former Heads of State of CAR, namely, Frangois Bozize, Michel Djotodia and Catherine Samba-Panza, based on the Peace Agreement as the sole reference of this dialogue. The Assembly ACKNOWLEGES the progress made in the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation; COMMENDS the Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui for his continuous efforts together with the United Nations Under-Secretary for Peacekeeping and URGES the Central African parties to intensify dialogue, with the support of the Guarantors of the Agreement. The Assembly COMMENDS the countries of the region for their support to the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the convening of the Joint Commissions to this end. The Assembly URGES the MINUSCA to support the deployment of the AU Observers; FURTHER URGES the Peacebuilding Commission in particular, Egypt, in its capacity as Vice-Chairman of the UNPBC and the Kingdom of Morocco, Chair of the UN Configuration of the Central African Republic (CAR), for their efforts in support of the CAR and in defending the interests of African countries on the UNPBC agenda, including through the African Group in New York, as well as the international partners to deliver the support promised to the AU Mission in Bangui and the launching of development projects. The Assembly REQUESTS the AU Member States and the larger international community to provide technical and financial support to the Central African authorities, in order to facilitate the successful organization of the upcoming elections and the economic reconstruction in the CAR.
COMMENDS the Government of Cameroon for adopting a set of measures to usher in peaceful solutions to the socio-political unrest in the North West and South West regions; measures which include the successful organization of a Major National Dialogue (from 30 September to 4 October 2019) involving all stakeholders from within the country and from the diaspora with a view to restoring lasting peace; sending a peace caravan led by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, to the two regions concerned; adopting a law to institute a general code of regional and local authorities which confers, in particular, a special status to the two English-speaking regions of the North West and the South West to take into account their specificities in terms of the educational and judicial systems; setting up a National Commission on the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism; adopting a law on the promotion of national (?) languages, as well as promoting the use of English and French as official languages of equal value; and establishing a National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Committee. ALSO COMMENDS the Government for releasing, on the one hand, certain political leaders or activists who were prosecuted before the military courts for their involvement in organizing irregular demonstrations, and, on the other hand, hundreds of other individuals who were prosecuted for crimes committed as part of the unrest in the two regions of the North West and the South West. REQUESTS the Chairperson of the AU Commission to continue to support the efforts of the Cameroonian Government to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the two regions of the North West and the South West.
REITERATES the readiness of the AU to continue its facilitation role in The Comoros, with a view to strengthening and consolidating social cohesion. ENCOURAGES the PSC, with the support of the AU Commission, to continue to support the Comoros in its efforts to advance political dialogue. ALSO ENCOURAGES President Azali Assoumani for his commitment to launch an inclusive dialogue with all the actors of the country. COMMENDS the President of the Union of the Comoros and his Government for the appeasement measures taken by granting a presidential pardon to several prisoners, including common law prisoners.
TAKES NOTE of the steady progress in Somalia and, in this regard, ENCOURAGES the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), as well as the Federal Member States (FMS), to continue to promote consensual solutions to the challenges facing their country. The Assembly APPEALS to international partners to continue to assist the Somalis and to refrain from any actions that may undermine current efforts to end the conflict in that country. The Assembly UNDERSCORES the need to expedite the generation of adequate Somali Security Forces to undertake joint operations with AMISOM, hold newly liberated territories, protect population centres, and secure the Main Supply Routes (MSRs), with a view to creating conducive conditions that will enable the Somali national defence and security forces to effectively takeover security responsibilities from AMISOM by 2021. The Assembly COMMENDS AMISOM and Somali Security Forces for downgrading the capacities of the Al Shabaab terrorist group and LOOKS FORWARD to continuing this close collaboration in the fight. The Assembly STRONGLY CONDEMN the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Somalia and against AMISOM. Furthermore, the Assembly EXPRESSES its condolences to the bereaved families and WISHES speedy recovery to the injured. The Assembly FURTHER COMMENDS the Troop and Police Contributing Countries of AMISOM for their sacrifices and commitments towards the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia.
CONGRATULATES The Sudan for having been elected as Chair of IGAD and reaffirm its support for the new role of Sudan and its continued cooperation in working for peace, stability and development of the region and the continent. The Assembly COMMENDS the Transitional Sovereign Council and the Transitional Government of Sudan for their ongoing cooperation, commitment and coordinated engagement in addressing the multiple challenges facing the country. The Assembly ENCOURAGES all Sudanese stakeholders to maintain the momentum thus far mobilized, particularly strong coordination and cooperation among the transitional authorities, as this would restore the confidence of the people of Sudan in national institutions. The Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to the efforts deployed by the Chairperson of the Union, H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, in his capacity as Chair of IGAD, as well as by the Chairperson of the Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat for their coordinated efforts towards finding a solution to the crisis in Sudan. The Assembly WELCOMES the hosting in the Republic of South Sudan, under the auspices of President Salvar Kiir Mayardit, of the negotiations between the Sudan Transitional Government and Sudan armed movements, and EXPRESSES its appreciation for the efforts being deployed by the IGAD and countries of the region. The Assembly STRONGLY APPEALS to those countries which imposed economic and financial sanctions on the Republic of Sudan to immediately and totally remove the sanctions. In this context, the Assembly CALLS ON the Government of the United States of America (USA) to remove Sudan from its List of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST), in order to facilitate the flow of investments in Sudan to promote sustainable peace and development. The Assembly also welcomes the steps being taken by the Government of Sudan to attract investors and in this context acknowledges the dialogue that has been opened between the Governments of USA and Sudan to address these issues. The Assembly REQUESTS the Chairperson of the Commission, in coordination with IGAD, to continue with his efforts in supporting Sudan during the transitional period.
COMMENDS the Government of Sudan and UNAMID for their collaborative efforts and commitment in implementing the UN Security Council Resolution 2429 on the drawdown and also commend the PSC and the UN Security Council for extending the mandate of UNAMID until 31 October 2020. The Assembly UNDERSCORES the significance of sustaining peace in Darfur through investment in sustainable development projects. In this regard, the Assembly STRONGLY ENCOURAGES the AU Commission, together with the United Nations, to undertake strategic initiatives that will ensure effective resource mobilization, including funds for Darfur’s stabilization and development. In this regard, the Assembly STRESSES that the draw down should be completed in such a way that it preserves the gains being made in Darfur, within the overall search for peace, stability and development in Sudan.
ACKNOWLEDGES the efforts deployed by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and the Head of the Sovereign Council of the Sudan, H.E.
Abdel-Fatah Al-Burhan in convening the Entebbe Summit in November 2019, which, among other, extended by hundred days the pre-transitional period for the South Sudanese stakeholders to address pending issues before the formation of a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU). The Assembly COMMENDS H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar for reaching consensus during the Entebbe Summit. The Assembly COMMENDS the Government of South Sudan for the disbursements made for the implementation of the Peace Agreement and ENCOURAGES it to complete the disbursement. The Assembly COMMENDS the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) comprising its Members namely, South Africa as Chair, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria and Rwanda for their continued support to the South Sudan peace process, including through regular visits undertaken in the course of 2019. The Assembly also COMMENDS all Member States which have extended financial and material support to the Government of South Sudan, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa and, in this context, the Assembly APPEALS to other Member States to also make contributions. In the same context, the Assembly ALSO APPEALS to the larger international community to further extend financial, material and logistical support to the South Sudan Peace Process, especially the transitional security arrangements to facilitate the process of cantonment, screening, training and deployment of the South Sudanese Necessary United Forces (NUF), for the protection of officials during the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
UNDERSCORES the imperative of the formation of the Transitional Government by 22 February 2020 and EXPRESSES CONCERN over the delays in pending pre-transitional tasks that are crucial for the formation of the R-TGoNU, particularly those relating to transitional security arrangements and the determination of the number and boundaries of states. The Assembly STRONGLY CALLS on the South Sudanese parties to continue dialogue to address pending issues, critical to the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and the establishment of the R-TGoNU. The Assembly REAFFIRMS the solidarity of the AU with the people and the Government of South Sudan in their aspirations to restore lasting peace and stability, and advance development in their country.
WELCOMES the cessation of hostilities by the Libyan parties and ENCOURAGES the parties to finalize a permanent ceasefire. The Assembly ENDORSES the Communique of the 8th Meeting of the AU High Level Committee for Libya, held on 30 January 2020, in Brazzaville, Congo, which, among others, underlines the imperative for an inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation strongly condemned the continued fighting in Libya that resulted in hundreds of civilian victims, and the external interference that undermines peace efforts in Libya. The Assembly ALSO WELCOMES the outcomes of the Conference on Libya held in Berlin in January 2020, especially the commitment by international partners to respect the embargo on arms and to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Libya. The Assembly CALLS UPON the AU High-Level Committee for Libya to continue to support the all-inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan- owned political process as a way forward to a permanent ceasefire, and also, as a prior condition to the reconciliation forum. The Assembly expresses its appreciation to H.E Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo and Chair of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya, for his tireless efforts towards finding a solution to the crisis in Libya. In this respect, the Assembly encourages him to remain seized with the matter. The Assembly UNDERLINES the role of the neighbouring countries of Libya, in the search for a solution to the current crisis, and WELCOMES the recent meeting held on 23 January 2020 in Algiers, Algeria. The Assembly REAFFIRMS the AU position that there is no military solution to the current crisis in Libya and CALLS for enhancement of efforts, including a permanent ceasefire, towards finding a political and peaceful settlement of the conflict in Libya in line with the provisions of the Agreement signed by the Libyan parties in 2015, in Skhirat, Morocco. The Assembly REQUESTS the Chairperson of the Commission to play his role and to take the necessary concrete measures, in close consultation with the UN, to ensure the effective involvement of the AU, with a view to resolving the Libyan crisis.
COMMENDS the countries of the Southern Africa region for sustaining peace and stability, including through enhancement of good governance, combating corruption and illicit financial flows and reinforced inter-state cooperation, which manifests the collective commitment in the region to silencing the guns. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the countries of region to further enhance mitigation strategies against natural disasters and drought and to continue working together to countering terrorism, violent extremism, radicalization, trafficking and transnational organized crime. The Assembly APPLAUDS the Mozambicans for the successful organization of peaceful elections in October 2019 and encourages them to continue their efforts in implementing the Peace Agreement and advance peace, reconciliation and stability in the country, which would generate conditions more conducive for socio-economic recovery and development.
APPLAUDS the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government for their continued commitment and efforts in finding a lasting solution to the prolonged political and institutional crisis in Guinea-Bissau. The Assembly CONGRATULATES the people and Government of Guinea Bissau for the successful holding of a peaceful first round of presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau on 24 November 2019 and the run-off on 29 December 2019. The Assembly STRONGLY CALLS for a genuine all- inclusive dialogue, among all political actors, as the only viable alternative for finding durable solutions and strengthen the institutions of the State. In line with the announcement made by the National Electoral Commission of Guinea Bissau.
COMMENDS the efforts of the Republic of The Gambia towards consolidating democracy in the country through the current reforms process which will significantly contribute towards promoting stability and economic growth. The Assembly ALSO COMMENDS the AU Commission for its continued support, through the African Union Technical Support Team to the Gambia (AUTSTG) and other mechanisms, to the efforts of the Government of The Gambia, towards consolidating peace and security, particularly with regard to strengthening public institutions, in the country. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the Government of The Gambia to continue engaging in dialogue with the ex-coalition members and political parties, in order to promote political stability and create a conducive environment for peace and economic development in the country.
EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES to the countries of the Sahel region for the lives lost due to terrorist attacks and other incidences of inter-communal violence and AFFIRMS the continued support of the AU through its various Organs and programs. The Assembly EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN over the persistent acts of terrorism, the growth of banditry, trafficking of all types and cross-border crime in the Sahel region. The Assembly COMMENDS the Malian parties for the progress in the inclusive national dialogue and ENCOURAGES them to continue with the reforms process, with a view to building confidence among communities, within the framework of the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, which emanated from the Algiers Process. The Assembly URGES the Malian parties to redouble efforts in the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The Assembly EMPHASIZES THE NEED for continued support and advocacy efforts for regional initiatives, notably the ECOWAS initiatives to counter the spread of terrorism in the Sahel, through enhanced financing with the pledge of 1 billion US dollars made during the Ouagadougou Summit held on 14 September 2019. In this context, the Assembly ENCOURAGES ECOWAS Member States to honour their pledges in order to enhance the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. Furthermore, the Assembly URGES the partners, on the basis of priorities defined by the AU, to continue providing support to the efforts against terrorism, banditry, trafficking and trans-national organized crime. In this regard, the Assembly WELCOMES the Bamako Declaration on Access to Natural Resources and Conflict between Communities adopted on 29 November 2019, in Bamako, Mali, as adopted by the AU Ministerial Meeting. DECIDES to organize an Extraordinary Summit focusing on the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism, with a view to taking urgent action and measures necessary to support the countries which are facing the severe effects of terrorism. REQUESTS the Commission, in coordination with the Chairperson of the Union, to carry out the consultations necessary for holding the Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or in another Member State.
COMMENDS the PSC for its continued efforts towards the full operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF), including the continued provision of strategic guidance for the harmonization of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC) within the ASF Framework. The Assembly FURTHER COMMENDS the Commission for the efforts deployed in the development of various policies for the functioning of the ASF, including the new Doctrine for Peace Support Operations and the new Concept of Operations, as well as for efforts towards the establishment of the ASF Regional Logistic Depots. In the same context, the Assembly COMMENDS the ASF Regional Standby Brigades for the continued efforts to ensure readiness for deployment. TAKES NOTE of the proposal on forming a Special Unit within the African Standby Force for combatting terrorism and DIRECTS the AUPSC to consider all the aspects related to the proposed Special Unit and to present the conclusions and recommendations thereon at the next Ordinary Session in February 2021, while taking note of the offer by the Arab Republic of Egypt to host a future Extraordinary Summit dedicated to this subject.
WELCOMES the initiatives by AFRIPOL in combating transnational organized crime, including fighting trafficking of illicit arms, drugs, and contraband. The Assembly CALLS UPON the Commission to expedite the staffing of the AFRIPOL Secretariat to enable it to more effectively deliver on its mandate. In this regard, the Assembly COMMENDS Algeria for seconding officers to AFRIPOL Secretariat and ENCOURAGES all other Member States also to second officers to the AFRIPOL Secretariat.
The Assembly ENCOURAGES the Member States, with the support of the AU Commission, as well as the RECs/RMs to redouble their efforts in mainstreaming child protection in their programmes. In this regard, the Assembly REQUESTS the AU Commission to integrate child protection into Silencing the Guns campaign and the Theme of the AU for the year 2020, as well as to develop a comprehensive policy on child protection in AU peace support operations. The Assembly REITERATES ITS CALL for the Chairperson of the Commission to appoint a special envoy for children in armed conflict.
COMMENDS the Commission for the steps taken to fully operationalize the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FEM-WISE AFRICA) in particular the training and the deployment of young women mediators and REQUESTS the Commission to continue mobilizing support for the deployment of members of FEM-WISE in different AU Liaison Offices.
REQUESTS the AU Commission to institutionalize the Youth for Peace Program within the Peace and Security Department with the designation of dedicated desk to coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders and facilitate its full operationalization, with a view to meet the increasing expectations of youth across the continent. The Assembly ENDORSES the five African Youth Ambassadors for Peace representing each of the five regions of the AU and ENCOURAGES them to continue to promote the role of the youth in the Continent on peace and security issues in line with the relevant AU instruments.
NOTES WITH DEEP CONCERN the growing insecurity posed by the negative effects of climate change in Africa. In this regard, the Assembly REITERATES THE CALL for sustained support for international commitments and agreements on climate change, in particular the Paris Agreement. The Assembly ALSO
CALLS UPON the international community to fulfil the pledge of USD 100 billion per year, to finance climate change actions at national, regional and international levels. Furthermore, the Assembly REQUESTS the Chairperson of the AU Commission, the relevant AU Organs, working in consultation with Members States, to explore innovative means and ways of financing climate actions in Africa. In this context, the Assembly UNDERSCORES the importance of promoting on Member States territories the integrated pursuit of peace, security and development with a view to deactivating the root causes of conflicts and advancing mitigation of negative effects of climate change in the Continent. To this effect, the Assembly ENCOURAGES the PSC to continue providing strategic guidance. Furthermore, the Assembly REQUESTS the Chairperson of the Commission to submit an annual Report in the course of 2020 on the measures taken towards giving expression on the ground to this interlinkage.
ENCOURAGES enhancement of efforts towards resource mobilization towards the operation of the AU Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development; implementation of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), as well as Security Sector Reform (SSR) in countries emerging from conflict; sustenance of the Mediation Support Unit (MSU), in order to optimize successes in preventing, managing and resolving conflicts in Africa; building more synergy in the fight against illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW);
STRONGLY CONDEMNS all violations of arms embargoes currently in force in Africa, particularly as they contribute to illicit supplies to terrorist groups and criminal networks, thereby undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Member States. In this context, the Assembly URGES the PSC, working closely with the UN system, particularly its Security Council, to consider measures to be taken to curb violations of UN arms embargo in Africa. Furthermore, the Assembly WARNS that punitive measures will be taken against all those that continue to commit such violations, including naming and shaming, in line with PSC decisions.
STRONGLY CONDEMNS all forms of foreign interference in the internal affairs of the AU Member States, which undermines the efforts of the Continent to silence the guns and aggravate crises with devastating effects on Africa’s development and stability; The Assembly REQUESTS the PSC to remain seized with the matter and activate its policy of “naming and shaming” the peace spoilers.
COMMENDS the PSC for holding of its 11th Retreat on the ‘Comprehensive African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Study and the Working Methods of the PSC, from 29 to 31 October 2018, in Cairo, Egypt, and 12th Retreat on the theme “Strengthening the Work of the Peace and Security Council on Conflict Prevention and Peace Consolidation in Africa, from 24 to 26 June 2019, in Rabat, Morocco. The Assembly ENDORSES the Conclusions of the two Retreats and REQUESTS the AU relevant Policy Organs to follow up on the implementation of the contents of the Conclusions of the Retreats. Furthermore, the Assembly
COMMENDS the Commission for the successful conduct of the Comprehensive APSA Study. The Assembly CONGRATULATES the PSC for the development of the Manual on Working Methods of the PSC which was adopted by the PSC at its 861st Meeting held on 22 July 2019 and ALSO ENDORSES the Manual. Furthermore, the Assembly WELCOMES the convening of the PSC Annual High Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa on the theme “Silencing the Guns in Africa: Creating Conducive Environment for Children in Conflict Situations” from 13 to 14 January 2020, in Libreville, Gabon, and ENDORSES the Conclusions of the Seminar.
COMMENDS the African Members in the UN Security Council ((A3) Members) for a significant role played in bridging the gap between the AU and the UN, particularly, in articulating, defending and promoting African perspectives and common positions on issues of peace and security in the Continent. The Assembly ALSO COMMENDS the outgoing A3 Members, namely, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea, for their exemplary work during their tenure in the UN Security Council and CONGRATULATES Niger and Tunisia for their election as non-permanent members of the Security Council. The Assembly ENCOURAGES the A3 Members to continue strengthening their unity and coordination with a view to more effectively amplify and spearhead the African voice and common positions on African peace and security issues in the UN Security Council agenda.