DECISION ON THE REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE
COMMISSION ON CONFLICT SITUATIONS IN AFRICA
DOC. EX.CL/191 (VII)
The Executive Council:
WELCOMES the significant progress made in the resolution of the crisis and conflict situations in the continent, notably in Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR), the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Somalia and the Sudan;
STRESSES the need for continued efforts at all levels to consolidate these gains and to ensure their sustainability, as well as to overcome the difficulties being encountered in some of the conflict areas;
STRESSES to all parties to the crises and conflicts in the Continent that effective and sustainable solutions can only be achieved through negotiations, based on a spirit of justice, compromise and mutual accommodation. And SOLEMNLY APPEALS to the parties concerned to demonstrate a spirit of compromise and genuine commitment to peace, in order to bring to a definitive end the conflicts in which they are involved, including through the effective implementation of peace agreements once they have been concluded;
COMMENDS all those who contribute to the search for lasting solutions to the crises and conflicts raging in the Continent, including the Chairperson of the AU, the Chairperson of the Commission, individual leaders, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the civil society organizations, and ENCOURAGES them to remain engaged in the efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in Africa;
FURTHER COMMENDS the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for its role and URGES it to vigorously continue to discharge its mandate, in particular, by actively engaging in the timely prevention of crises and conflicts in the Continent. Council STRESSES the need for the effective operationalization of the various segments of the African peace and security architecture, including the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), the Panel of the Wise and the African Standby Force (ASF) as well as the finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the AU and the RECs, which will enhance the exchange of information and the coordination of activities between the AU and the RECs;
STRESSES the need for peace agreements to be effectively complemented by sustained efforts towards post-conflict reconstruction and peace-building, with a view to addressing the root causes underlying their outbreak. In this respect, Council URGES the Commission to develop an AU Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction, based on the relevant provisions of the PSC Protocol and the experience gained so far in the Continent;
COMMENDS Africa's bilateral and multilateral partners for their support and URGES them to continue to provide the necessary support to the efforts being deployed towards the promotion of peace and security on the Continent.