Communiqué: African peace and security body

Communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 385th meeting on the situation in Darfur and the activities of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 385th meeting held on 19 July 2013, reviewed the situation in Darfur and the activities of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), and adopted the following decision:

Council,

1. Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in Darfur and the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur [PSC/PR/2.(CCCLXXXV)], the statement made by the Commissioner for Peace and Security and the briefing provided by the Deputy Joint Special Representative of the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), as well as of the statements made by the Representatives of the Government of Sudan and Rwanda;

2. Recalls its previous decisions and communiqués on the situation in Darfur, as well as its visit to Darfur from 17 to 19 March 2013 for a first-hand assessment of the situation on the ground;

3. Strongly condemns all attacks on peacekeepers and, in particular, the recent deadly attack on UNAMID peacekeepers which occurred on 13 July 2013, when unidentified armed assailants ambushed a convoy in Khor Abeche, South Darfur, killing seven Tanzanian peacekeepers and injuring 17. Council calls on the Government of the Sudan (GoS) to take all necessary measures to arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Council expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and wishes speedy recovery to the wounded peacekeepers;

4. Expresses serious concern at the deteriorating security situation in Darfur characterized by continuing clashes between the non-signatory movements and the GoS, as well as frequent inter and intra-ethnic clashes resulting in substantial displacements of the civilian population in recent months;

5. Further condemns the recent assassination of leaders of the Justice and Equality Movement – Sudan (JEM/Bashar). Council reiterates its appeal and demands that the non-signatory movements join the peace process without any further delay and preconditions in the interest of the population of Darfur whose cause they claim to be espousing;

6. Urges the signatory parties to the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) to fully implement the provisions of the DDPD, including the outcomes of the International Donors’ Conference which took place on 7 and 8 April 2013 in Doha, Qatar. Council took note of the endorsement by the Conference of the Darfur Development Strategy (DDS) as an essential framework for the implementation of early economic recovery, poverty eradication, reconstruction and development in Darfur. Council appeals to donors to honour the pledges made at the donors’ conference and fulfill their obligations in a timely manner;

7. Encourages UNAMID for its continuing efforts to effectively implement its protection of civilians mandate, despite major challenges and constraints, including attacks on peacekeepers, denial of access and other impediments on its movements and operations;

8. Welcomes and commends the efforts of the new AU-UN Joint Special Representative of UNAMID, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, for his commitment and efforts since assuming office on 1 April 2013 to revitalize the peace process, including consultations in May with key regional actors and the convening of the Fifth Retreat of Special Envoys for Sudan and Darfur on 17 and 18 June 2013. Council also commends the personnel of the Mission for their dedication to duty and contribution to the promotion of peace, security, reconciliation and recovery in Darfur;

9. Stresses that achieving peace, security, justice and reconciliation in Darfur remains a top priority for the AU, recognizing that the people of Darfur simply should not wait any longer for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict. Council, bearing in mind that the Darfur crisis is a manifestation of broader political and social problems facing Sudan as a whole, urges the GoS to pursue a holistic approach to addressing these challenges within the framework of the on-going constitutional review process in an inclusive manner, with the support of and coordination with the AU High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), as may be required;

10. Renews its appeal to the international community not to relent in its support to the search for durable peace and stability in Darfur, including support for timely implementation of DDPD provisions and efforts to achieve early economic recovery and development. Council reiterates its appreciation to the DDPD Implementation Follow-Up Commission for its continuing activities in this direction;

11. Stresses the need for international support to create an environment conducive for economic recovery and development in Darfur. In this regard, Council strongly urges individual international partners to engage with the Government of Sudan on the matter of debt relief;

12. Decides to extend, for a further period of 12 months, the mandate of UNAMID as defined by its communique PSC/PR/Comm.(LXXIX) of its 79th meeting held on 22 June 2007 and UN Security Council resolution 1769 (2007) of 31 July 2007. Council requests the UN Security Council to do the same;

13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.