Communiqué: The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 288th meeting, held on 10 August 2011, adopted the following decision on the post-conflict situation in Côte d’Ivoire Ref:PSC/PR/2(CCLXXXVIII)

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PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL 288™ MEETING

10 AUGUST 2011

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

PSC/PR/2(CCLXXXVIII)

COMMUNIQUE

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 288™ MEETING OF THE
PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 288^th meeting, held on 10 August 2011, adopted the following decision on the post-conflict situation in Cote d'Ivoire:

Council,

1. Takes note of the Report of the mission of Council to Cote d'Ivoire, from 25 to 30 July 2011 [PSC/PR/2(CCLXXXVIII)];

2. Recalls its previous decisions and press statements on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire, in particular Communique PSC/AHG/COMM.1(CCLXV) on the report and recommendations of the AU High-Level Panel for the Resolution of the Crisis in Cote d'Ivoire, adopted by its 265^th meeting held on 10 March 2011;

3. Notes with satisfaction the significant progress made in the process of return to normalcy in Cote d'Ivoire since the assumption of power by President Alassane Dramane Ouattara and the establishment of the Government on 1 June 2011. In this context, Council commends the efforts being deployed by the Government towards the re-establishment of security and the rule of law throughout the country, national reconciliation, the implementation of the pending aspects of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement and its Supplementary Agreements and the preparation for the upcoming legislative elections, as well as those relating to socio-economic recovery;

4. Stresses, at the same time, the many challenges that Cote d'Ivoire continues to be confronted with, and the need for all the Ivorian stakeholders, including the political actors, representatives of the civil society and media professionals, to work together to consolidate the progress made and set their country on the path of sustainable peace and development;

5. Reiterates AU's commitment to do its utmost to support the ongoing efforts at peace building and post-conflict reconstruction in Cote d'Ivoire. In this respect, Council requests the Commission, working closely with AU partners, including ECOWAS, the United Nations, the European Union and bilateral partners, to:

• immediately dispatch a mission to assess the situation of the Ivorian refugees in Cote d'Ivoire's neighbors and the requirements for their early return,

• provide support for post-conflict reconstruction and development, including national reconciliation, the reform of the defence and security sector, advocacy to assist Cote d'Ivoire to obtain debt cancellation, mobilization of resources to facilitate the implementation of quick impact projects and support for the successful holding of the Round Table planned by the Ivorian Government for September 2011,

facilitate and support cooperation and joint action among the countries of the region to address security related issues, including those posed by the presence of mercenaries and other armed elements;

6. Calls on AU Member States and partners to provide the requisite political, technical, financial support to Cote d'Ivoire to consolidate the gains made so far;

7. Expresses appreciation for the assistance that humanitarian agencies continue to provide to Ivorian refugees and internally displaced persons and encourages them to pursue their efforts;

8. Requests the Commission to report to it no later than October 2011 on the steps taken towards the implementation of this decision;

9. Expresses its gratitude to the Ivoirian authorities and institutions, as well as to all the other stakeholders for their availability and cooperation with the mission of Council;

10. Decides to remain seized of the matter.