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/7(XXIV)
The Assembly,
TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa;
WELCOMES the steps that continue to be taken towards the full operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). In particular, COMMENDS the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) on the successful conduct of Exercise Loango 2014 held in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo, from 19 to 29 October 2014, and the East African Standby Force Coordinating Mechanism (EASFCOM) for having attained full operational capability as confirmed by Exercise Mashariki Salaam 2014, which took place in Nazareth, Ethiopia, from 13 to 22 November 2014; REQUESTS the Commission, the concerned Regional Standby Brigades and Member States and to take all necessary steps to ensure that the African Standby Force (ASF) is fully operational by the end of 2015, as planned, including the holding, in course of this year, in South Africa, of the Amani Africa II Field Training Exercise; FURTHER WELCOMES the steps taken towards the operationalization of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC) including Command Post Exercise Utulivu Africa, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 25 to 29 November 2014;
NOTES WITH SATISFACTION the steps taken by the Commission in followup to Decision EX.CL/Dec.820(XXV) adopted by the 25th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 20 to 24 June 2014 on the establishment of the AU Police Cooperation Mechanism (AFRIPOL), notably the holding of two meetings of AFRIPOL Ad Hoc Committee on 2 July and 2 October 2014, in Addis Ababa and Kampala, respectively, to elaborate the draft statutes of AFRIPOL and other relevant legal texts, as well as Identifying the modalities of its funding; LOOKS FORWARD to the finalization of the process and the on-going process and the submission to the Executive Council, in June 2015, of a comprehensive report on the operationalization of AFRIPOL;
NOTES WITH DEEP CONCERN that despite the progress made, Africa continues to face serious challenges in the field of peace and security, which undermine socio-economic development efforts, cause catastrophic humanitarian consequences and contribute to project a negative image of the continent; STRESSES the need for increased efforts towards achieving a conflict- free Africa in 2020, as agreed by the Heads of State and Government on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of OAU/AU in May 2013. In this regard, REITERATES the vital importance of conflict prevention, through the scrupulous implementation of
the relevant AU instruments and PSC communiques, as well as through the exercise by that body of all the responsibilities entrusted to it; ALSO REITERATES the crucial role of the Panel of the Wise and ENCOURAGES the latter to intensify its conflict prevention efforts;
NOTES that in 2015 and 2016, a high number of elections will be organized on the continent and STRESSES that the polls offer a critical window of opportunity to enhance democracy in the concerned Member States. The Assembly calls on the concerned Member States , the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs) and the relevant AU organs, including the PSC and the Panel of the Wise, to take all necessary steps to ensure that these elections take place peacefully and in the required conditions of fairness and transparency, in line with the relevant AU instruments, notably the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, bearing in mind that democracy and the rule of law are preconditions for sustainable peace, stability and socio-economic development; URGES ONCE AGAIN all Member States that have not yet done so to urgently sign and ratify the Charter;
REITERATES THE DEEP CONCERN OF THE AU at the continued worsening of the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa, as Demonstrated by the cowardly and dastardly attacks perpetrated by different terrorist groups across the continent, including Al Shabaab, the Lord's Resistant Army (LRA), Boko Haram, Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in the West Africa (MOJWA), al-Murabitun and the Ansar al-Sharia groups; ONCE AGAIN UNDERLINES the need for renewed African and international efforts to address of the prevailing conditions and, in this respect, URGES the Member States, the RECs/RMs and the Commission to take all steps necessary towards the effective implementation of all the provisions of the communique adopted by the 469th meeting of the PSC held at Summit level, in Nairobi, Kenya, on 2 September 2014; EXPRESS FULL SUPPORT to the efforts of the member countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Benin in particular the establishment of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to combat the Boko Haram terrorist group, ENCOURAGES the Commission to continue to support these efforts, in line with the relevant PSC communiques, and CALLS ON the international community to extend all the assistance required; WELCOMES the convening by the Commission, in Algiers, from 27 to 28 October 2014, of a symposium on victims of acts of terrorism, and URGES for the full implementation of the recommendations made on that occasion, looking forward to regular updates in this respect;
WELCOMES the progress that continues to be made in terms of peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction in The Comoros, Madagascar, with the continuation of the reconciliation process in Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau; URGES all stakeholders concerned to pursue the efforts undertaken and CALLS
for continuous mobilization of African and international support for these countries, including within the framework of the African Solidarity Initiative (ISA);
REITERATES Africa's solidarity with countries in West Africa affected by the Ebola epidemic (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), WELCOMES the deployment by the Commission of ASEOWA, as mandated by the PSC, CALLS FOR continued African and international mobilization to contain the Ebola crisis; STRESSES THE NEED for additional efforts at peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction in the three countries;
WELCOMES the completion of the transition in Tunisia, with the holding, in November and December 2014, of presidential election; COMMENDS all Tunisian social and political actors for the sustained efforts they have made and for their maturity, which allowed for a peaceful and consensual transition, and UNDERSCORES the exemplary nature of the Tunisian experience; APPEALS to the international community to provide Tunisia with economic and financial support necessary for the consolidation of democracy;
WELCOMES the positive developments in Burkina Faso, and REITERATES AU's commitment to assist the transitional authorities in their efforts to bring the Transition to its logical conclusion, with the organization of presidential and legislative elections in October 2015; CALLS ON Member States of the AU and the international community as a whole, to provide all necessary support to this end; WELCOMES the establishment of the International Support Group for the Transition in Burkina Faso (GISAT-BF), under the joint auspices of the AU, ECOWAS and the UN, and the conclusions of its inaugural meeting in Ouagadougou on 13 January 2015;
URGES the Government of Mali and the Armed Movements in the North to rapidly conclude a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in full respect of the unity and territorial integrity of Mali, as well as of the secular nature of the Malian government and LOOKS FORWARD to the resumption in February 2015, within the framework of the Algiers process, of inter -Malian peace talks. The Assembly REITERATES the full support of the AU mediation spearheaded by Algeria, with the participation of the countries in the region, the AU, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations, the European Union (EU) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC);
EXPRESSES ITS FULL SUPPORT to the conclusions of the ministerial meeting of the African troop contributing countries to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) on the capacity of MINUSMA held in Niamey, Niger, in November 5, 2014, and REQUESTS the Commission to expedite consultations with the UN on the follow up of these conclusions, including the establishment of an intervention force modelled on the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade for Stabilization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), as agreed by the region at the Summit of Member
Countries of the Nouakchott Process on Enhancing Security Cooperation and Operationalization of APSA in the Sahelo-Saharan Region held in the Mauritanian capital on 18 December 2014;
REITERATES ITS SUPPORT to the Nouakchott Process on Enhancing Security Cooperation and Operationalization of APSA in the Sahelo-Saharan Region, WELCOMES the holding of the Summit of Member Countries of the Nouakchott Process, on 18 December, 2014 and ENCOURAGES the Commission and countries concerned, with the support of international partners, to effectively implement the Declaration adopted on that occasion; FURTHER WELCOMES the adoption by the PSC on 11 August 2014, of the AU Strategy for the Sahel region, and CALLS ON the countries of the region and the Commission, with the support of international partners including the EU, the QIC and the UN, to work towards its effective implementation;
WELCOMES the progress that continues to be made in Somalia, and URGES the Somali stakeholders to stay on course and action to demonstrate the required unity of purpose and action, in order to expedite the implementation of Vision 2016 and fulfill the aspirations of their people to peace, security and stability; PAYS TRIBUTE to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) for their commitment and the sacrifices made, and REITERATES the AU's appreciation to those partners extending support to the Mission; APPEALS for the provision of adequate financial, economic and humanitarian assistance to Somalia, as well as for enhanced support for the building of capable and effective defense and security forces;
REITERATES the support of the AU to the implementation process of the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the region and URGES all stakeholders to redouble their efforts in this regard; STRESSES the crucial importance of neutralizing the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and other armed groups operating in eastern DRC, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and with the decisions taken by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. The Assembly, noting with regret the FDLR refusal to disarm voluntarily before the expiry of the deadline of January 2, 2015 set by the countries of the region, CALLS ON the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and MONUSCO to immediately implement the mandate entrusted to them by resolutions 2098 (2013) and 2147 (2014) to neutralize the armed group; URGES all stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration of December 2013 that marked the conclusion of the dialogue between the Government of the DRC and the former M23; STRESSES the need for greater efforts to translate into reality the socioeconomic aspects of the Framework Agreement;
EXPRESSES ITS DEEP APPRECIATION to the International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) and troops and police contributing countries for the excellent work done in the Central African Republic (CAR), as well as to Member States and international partners who have provided logistical, technical and financial support to the Mission and WELCOMES the successful transformation, on 15 September, 2014, of MISCA into a United Nations operation - Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA; URGES the Central African Republic stakeholders to commit themselves resolutely to achieving the national reconciliation process and the completion of the transition within the newly agreed time frame; it CONDEMNS IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS the acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups and CALLS FOR scrupulous compliance with the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities reached at the national Reconciliation Forum, held in Brazzaville from 21 to 23 July 2014; REITERATES ITS APPRECIATION to the International Mediation, ECCAS and the international partners for their continued commitment; CALLS FOR increased humanitarian, financial and economic support for CAR;
UNDERSCORES the need for renewed Efforts to overcome the current impasse in the peace process between Eritrea and Ethiopia and, in this respect, ENCOURAGES the Commission and the PSC to take appropriate initiatives in line with the provisions of the PSC Protocol ALSO ENCOURAGES the Commission and to the PSC to continue to support as appropriate the process aimed at normalizing the relations between Djibouti and Eritrea and promoting good neighbourliness between the two countries; REITERATES ITS SUPPORT for the proposed regional and holistic approach to the challenges of peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa, in line with its earlier decisions on the matter;
REITERATES the support of the AU to the national dialogue initiative in Sudan aimed at addressing in a holistic and inclusive fashion the multifaceted challenges confronting the country and, in this respect, CALLS ON all Sudanese stakeholders to demonstrate the required political will and commitment; REITERATES ITS FULL SUPPORT to the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), COMMENDS its members for their untiring efforts and commitment and URGES the Sudanese stakeholders to extend full cooperation to the Panel; APPEALS to the international community to extend the necessary support, including the provision of economic and financial assistance and debt relief to help stabilize the economy of the country;
EXPRESS DEEP CONCERN at the prevailing situation in South Sudan, marked by continued conflict and a disastrous humanitarian situation; CALLS ONCE AGAIN on the parties to demonstrate the necessary commitment to end the bloodshed In their country and respond to the aspirations of their people; REITERATES THE AU'S APPRECIATION to the Intergovernmental Authorities on Development (IGAD) for its relentless efforts and commitment to the search for a lasting solution to the conflict and WELCOMES the establishment, by the PSC, of the AU High-Level ad hoc Committee and ENCOURAGES it to take all necessary steps in order to enhance the IGAD-led mediation; EXPRESS ITS DETERMINATION to support the measures contemplated by the IGAD Summit of 7 November 2014 and REQUESTS the PSC to take the necessary follow-up action; LOOKS FORWARD to the consideration in due course, by the PSC of the report of the AU Commission of Inquiry established to investigate human rights violations committed in the course of the conflict in South Sudan and make recommendations on how best to promote accountability, healing and reconciliation;
ENCOURAGES Sudan and South Sudan to expedite their efforts towards the full implementation of the September 2012 Cooperation Agreement; APPEALS to the two countries to take the necessary steps to address the issue of Abyei, both through the effective implementation of the Temporary Arrangements and renewed efforts to resolve the issue of the final status of the area and COMMENDS the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for its invaluable contribution to the stabilization of the Abyei Area; ALSO APPEALS to the international community to extend the necessary support to the Joint Approach agreed upon by the two countries to address their socio-economic challenges; COMMENDS the AUHIP for its tireless efforts, and ENCOURAGES it to continue availing its support to Sudan and South Sudan;
EXPRESS, ONCE AGAIN, AU’S DEEP'S CONCERN at the prevailing situation in Libya and Its far-reaching consequences for the country, as well as for regional peace, security and stability; STRONGLY CONDEMNS all acts of violence in Libya and REITERATES AU'S CONVICTION that there is no military solution to the current crisis; CALLS ON the Libyan stakeholders to put the interest of their country above narrow partisan considerations and to work in earnest towards bringing the violence to an end and initiating a genuine national reconciliation process; EXPRESS FULL SUPPORT to the on-going UN-led mediation efforts and WELCOMES the outcome of the first round of the UN facilitated dialogue held in Geneva, from 14 to 15 January 2015; FURTHER WELCOMES the untiring efforts of the countries of the region, through the ministerial committee of Libya's neighbours, under the overall coordination of Algeria and Libya, ENCOURAGES their continued involvement and, in this respect, LOOKS FORWARD to the early convening of the reconciliation conference being white Planned by Algeria;
REITERATES the UN Security Council repeated calls to the parties to the conflict in Western Sahara, to continue negotiations without preconditions and in good faith, with a view to achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and International Legality. In this respect, EXPRESSES AU’S FULL SUPPORT to the efforts of the UN Personal Envoy; WELCOMES the steps taken by the Chairperson of the Commission to follow-up on the relevant decisions of the Executive Council, Including the appointment of a Special Envoy and the consultations she undertook with relevant international partners, and REQUESTS her to pursue her efforts, notably through continued interaction with the UN and other key international stakeholders , in order to mobilize the necessary support to the UN-led efforts;
WELCOMES the announcement by the UN Secretary-General in November 2014, of the establishment of a High-Level Panel to review UN peace operations. In this respect, REQUESTS the Commission to develop a common African position on the issue at hand, to be adopted by the PSC, prior to the discussions to take place within relevant UN organs, taking into account the need to further promote an innovative and forward looking partnership between the AU and the UN in the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa; LOOKS FORWARD to the interaction between the AU and the Panel scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from 9 to 13 February 2015, and REQUESTS the Chairperson of the Commission to provide an update on this issue in June 2015;
RECALLS ONCE AGAIN the urgency and imperative of mobilization of increased resources at the continental level, commensurate with the challenges, to help finance the AU Peace and Security Agenda STRESSES that the ownership and leadership of the peace efforts to which the continent and its people so legitimately aspire cannot be achieved as long as the bulk of financial burden relating thereto is supported by international partners;
STRONGLY CONDEMNS the armed terrorist attacks on the State House of The Gambia on 30 December 2014 and REAFFIRMS the AU’s rejection of all forms of violent attempts at coming to power through unconstitutional means or the use of force; AND EXPRESSES its solidarity with the Government and people of The Gambia;
STRONGLY CONDEMNS the attack conducted on 30 December 2014 by armed elements in Burundi in order to disturb peace and security in the election process and RECALLS the AU statement on Burundi supporting the organisation of the upcoming elections in a fair, free and transparent manner;
DECIDES to name the new Peace and Security Building after “Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.