AUPSC extends AUHIP mandate until December 2015

December 19, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has extended the mandate of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) for Sudan and South Sudan until 31 December 2015.

The decision comes amid mounting tensions between the two neighboring countries following mutual accusations of harboring rebels from both sides.

The AUPSC, at its 477th meeting, held on Thursday, decided to extend the mandate of the AUHIP until 31 December 2015 to assist the Sudanese parties in the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and other related processes, as part of the democratic transformation of the Sudan and South Sudan.

The AUHIP briefed the AUPSC on the implementation of the cooperation agreement signed between Sudan and South Sudan in September 2012.

The AUPSC commended the AUHIP and its members, namely former presidents Thabo Mbeki, Abdulsalami Abubakr and Pierre Buyoya, as well as its support team, for their continued efforts to assist the parties to establish cooperative relations toward the goal of two viable states, at peace with one another.

It urged the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to continue with their efforts to conclude the outstanding issues under the facilitation of the AUHIP, calling upon the latter to submit a report on its activities within the next three months.

The AUHIP is also mediating between the Sudanese government and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) fighting in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

(ST)