Sudan & South Sudan: Adama Dieng appointed as first African Union (AU) special envoy for the prevention of the crime of genocide and other mass atrocities

Report from Human Rights Watch
Dated Tuesday, 23 April 2024 7:15AM EDT - here is a copy in full:

Can New African Union Genocide Envoy Curb Atrocities in Africa?

Adama Dieng has Mandate to ‘Combat the Ideology of Hate’

Click to expand Image

Adama Dieng, then-UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide, New York, June 2019. © 2019 Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

Adama Dieng has been appointed as the first African Union (AU) special envoy for the prevention of the crime of genocide and other mass atrocities.

Dieng will drive the organization’s agenda to “combat the ideology of hate and genocide on the continent,” said AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. The April 6 appointment could not be more symbolic, marking 30 years since the Rwandan genocide and harkening to the failure of the international community to stop the slaughter.

Dieng has occupied several positions within the United Nations human rights and justice system, including as a registrar of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), then as UN designated expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan. From 2012 to 2020, he was UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide, with a mandate to raise the alarm over situations likely to spiral into genocide and mobilize UN security council action to prevent such atrocities.

Dieng’s new appointment comes at a time when Africa is witnessing spates of terrible mass atrocities and serious crimes, with dire humanitarian consequences, and little to no international attention.

April 15 marked the first anniversary of the fast-deteriorating conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). While both parties have committed egregious laws of war violations, the targeted attacks on ethnic non-Arab communities in West Darfur by the RSF and allied militias have evoked the spectre of the horrific Darfur war. That conflict killed 300,000 people in the early 2000s and led the International Criminal Court (ICC) to indict then-Sudan President Omar al-Bashir.

Government forces in Burkina Faso have carried out mass killings of civilians as part of a brutal campaign to tackle Islamist armed groups, who have also committed serious abuses. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, government forces and armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23, have committed atrocities against civilians in violence throughout North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

Atrocities and serious crimes are nevertheless not limited to war time, as illustrated by the October 30, 2022 crackdown on protestors in Chad, when scores of protesters were shot by security forces.

Dieng’s newly created regional mandate could be a timely boost to existing international mechanisms on atrocities prevention if it proves to be an indication of more genuine AU political willingness to end mass abuse and uphold accountability standards.

View original:

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/04/23/can-new-african-union-genocide-envoy-curb-atrocities-africa

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AU adopts Roadmap for Resolution of Sudan Conflict

Report at ModernGhana.com

By Xinhua

Dated Sunday 28 May 2023 - full copy:

AU adopts roadmap to resolve conflict in Sudan

ADDIS ABABA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has adopted the Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan toward silencing the guns in Sudan.

The roadmap was adopted during the AU Peace and Security Council meeting that was held at the heads of state and government level on Saturday, focusing on the situation in Sudan, the AU said in a communique issued on Sunday.

The roadmap outlined six elements that include the establishment of a coordination mechanism to ensure all efforts by the regional and global actors are harmonized and impactful; an immediate, permanent, inclusive and comprehensive cessation of hostilities; and an effective humanitarian response.

The high-level meeting underscored the overriding importance of a single, inclusive and consolidated peace process for Sudan, coordinated under the joint auspices of the AU, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States and the United Nations, along with like-minded partners.

"The council, with deep concern, strongly condemns the ongoing senseless and unjustified conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has resulted in an unprecedented dire humanitarian situation, indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians," the statement said.

Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the SAF and the paramilitary RSF in the capital of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.

According to the Sudanese Doctors Union, the number of civilian deaths since the beginning of the clashes has risen to 863, with 3,531 injuries. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently said over 1 million people have been displaced since the conflict. 

View original: http://www.chinaview.cn/africa/20230529/0b44d0bd899a482eb32488590d93fa91/c.html

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Egypt's Sisi zooms AUPSC meeting to discuss Sudan, urges int'l community to support Sudan’s neighbours

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi participates in a virtual meeting for the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) at the Heads of State and Government level on the situation in Sudan. AU

Report at Ahram Online

Dated Saturday 27 May 2023 - full copy:

Sisi urges int'l community to support Sudan’s neighbours in resolving crisis

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi urged the international community to support the efforts of Sudan's neighbours in resolving the conflict as well as in dealing with its immediate humanitarian consequences.

The Egyptian president made these remarks in a speech during a virtual meeting for the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC), held at the level of heads of state and government, to discuss ways to resolve the conflict in Sudan.

The meeting was chaired by Uganda’s President Yoweri K Museveni and was attended by a number of African heads of state and government as well as a number of high-level officials, including Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hanna Tetteh.

It discussed efforts toward finding a sustainable ceasefire and resuming a civilian-led democratic process in the country, effective humanitarian action, and ways to ensure regional stability.

"I call on humanitarian organizations and donor countries to provide the necessary support to Sudan's neighbouring countries so they can continue to fulfil this role," El-Sisi said.

The Egyptian president stressed that the humanitarian consequences of Sudan's crisis extend beyond its borders and impact neighbouring countries, thus necessitating close coordination with them.

"Egypt has met its obligations in this regard by accepting approximately 150,000 displaced Sudanese citizens to date, in addition to hosting approximately five million other Sudanese citizens who are treated as nationals," El-Sisi noted.

Egypt will continue coordinating with its partners and relief organizations to provide urgent humanitarian aid to alleviate a deteriorating situation, he said.

During his speech, the Egyptian president emphasized the necessity for regional parties "to assist the Sudanese in ending the current crisis and achieving a consensus to address the underlying causes that led to its outbreak in the first place."

The Egyptian president stressed the need for close coordination among Sudan’s neighbouring states to resolve the crisis, noting that "these states are the most affected by the crisis and, therefore, are the keenest to end it as soon as possible."

He also outlined Egypt’s efforts in cooperating with the African Union and the Arab League to end the crisis in Sudan based on finding a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire and preserving state institutions.

"Egypt backs the efforts of the African Union and all the existing mechanisms that aim at ending the current conflict," El-Sisi said.

“Preserving national institutions in Sudan is the basic guarantee to protect the state from the danger of collapse,” he stressed.

The Egyptian president also reaffirmed Cairo's respect for the will of the Sudanese people in their internal affairs, stressing the need to prevent foreign interference in Sudan's affairs.

Meeting humanitarian challenge

Egypt has supported regional and international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan since its start in mid-April, pushing for a sustainable ceasefire between the two warring parties.

The conflict in Sudan has left 700 dead, including tens of children, according to UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sudan Volker Perthes.

 

Related

Egypt, UNHCR discuss mobilizing aid for displaced Sudanese

Egypt’s FM discusses humanitarian efforts in Sudan with UN officials in Geneva

UN allocates $5 mln to support refugees fleeing Sudan in Egypt

View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/501763/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Sisi-urges-int;l-community-to-support-Sudan’s-neig.aspx

________________________________

Africa Press Release at Zawya.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 

The Presidency, The Arab Republic of Egypt

Dated Saturday 27 May 2023 - full copy:

President El-Sisi Participates in African Peace and Security Council Summit via Video Conference

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated via video conference in the African Peace and Security Council Summit to discuss the current crisis in Sudan, in the presence of a number of African heads of state and government, headed by the President of the Republic of Uganda and current Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council, President Yoweri Museveni, in addition to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Secretary-General of IGAD and Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the Horn of Africa.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, said the summit focused on discussing de-escation in Sudan, coordination among all parties concerned with the ceasefire, enhancement of humanitarian corridors and return to peaceful dialogue.

Addressing the summit, President El-Sisi  thanked President Museveni for the initiative to convene this important summit, which is of great value to support Sudan to restore its security and stability. The President stressed the utmost importance of close coordination with neighboring states to solve the crisis in Sudan, as they are the most affected and most keen to end the crisis at the soonest.

The President stressed that Egypt's efforts to end the current crisis in Sudan complement the various relevant regional tracks, including those of the African Union and Arab League. They are also based on a number of pillars, most notably the need for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire and the protection of national institutions in Sudan, which primary safeguard against the threat of collapse, in addition to affirming that the conflict in Sudan involves the Sudanese people, and therefore the regional parties' role is to help them stop it and to achieve consensus on resolving the causes of its eruption.

President El-Sisi emphasised Egypt's respect for the will of the Sudanese people and non-interference in its internal affairs, as well as the need not to allow foreign interventions in its current crisis. The President reaffirmed Egypt's continued efforts to end the current crisis by supporting the African Union's efforts and all existing mechanisms to end the current conflict, as well as to continue coordination with all partners and relief organizations to provide urgent humanitarian needs for Sudan, to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, The Arab Republic of Egypt. 

View original: https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/africa-press-releases/president-el-sisi-participates-in-african-peace-and-security-council-summit-via-video-conference-n5dprw76

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The Financing of AU Peace Support Operations: Prospects for Progress in the Security Council?

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: A UN research report 26 April 2023 copied below for future reference caught my eye because of this paragraph:

"Following a debate on peace and security in Africa during the Chinese presidency in August 2022, the Council adopted a presidential statement. Among other things, the presidential statement requested the Secretary-General to provide the Security Council, by 30 April 2023, a report on progress made by the UN and the AU to fulfill the commitments set out in resolution 2320 of 18 November 2016 on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, and resolution 2378 of 20 September 2017 on peacekeeping reform."

So I searched for UNSG report 30 April 2023 and found a page here listing latest statements. What a coincidence and a disappointing one too: instead of it providing news of progress made regarding the African Union (AU) and the financing of AU Peace Support Operations, it says:

United Nations Secretary-General

30 April 2023 New York

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Sudan    

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

In light of the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the Secretary-General is sending the Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, to the region immediately.  

The scale and speed of what is unfolding is unprecedented in Sudan. We are extremely concerned by the immediate as well as long-term impact on all people in Sudan, and the broader region.  

We once again urge all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow safe passage for civilians fleeing areas of hostilities, respect humanitarian workers and assets, facilitate relief operations, and respect medical personnel, transport and facilities.

View original: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2023-04-30/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-sudan%C2%A0-%C2%A0%C2%A0

_______________________________ 

Research Report from Security Council Report.org

Dated 26 April 2023 - full copy:

The Financing of AU Peace Support Operations: Prospects for Progress in the Security Council?

To read the full report, please download the PDF here.

The financing of AU-led peace support operations (AUPSOs) has been an issue in the relationship between the UN and the AU in general, and between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) in particular, since 2007. In this time, the Security Council’s discussion of this issue has evolved, with Council members increasingly recognising the AU’s proactive role on matters of peace and security in Africa, including its enhanced capacity to respond expeditiously to conflict and crises on the continent, particularly through the deployment of AU Peace Support Operations (AUPSOs). Nonetheless, despite advances in recent years, the AU’s Achilles heel remains the lack of adequate resources to support and sustain these operations.  

To address this challenge, the AU has since 2007 been seeking UN-assessed contributions for adequate, sustainable, and predictable funding for AUPSOs. The African members of the UN Security Council (A3) have tried, individually and collectively, to advance the discussion of the financing of AUPSOs through UN-assessed contributions, and the Security Council has adopted several resolutions and presidential statements recognising the need to provide adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing for AUPSOs.  

In 2018, the A3 proposed a draft resolution which sought a clear commitment from the Council to finance AUPSOs from UN-assessed contributions on a case-by-case basis. The draft text placed in blue in December 2018 garnered the support of most Council members, but was never put to a vote because of one permanent member’s strong opposition. In August 2019, as South Africa tried to advance the issue, the AUPSC called on the A3 to suspend their efforts pending the AU’s development of a common position on some of the contentious issues raised during the 2018 negotiations. The AU endorsed a common position in February 2023. 

There has been renewed momentum in the Security Council regarding the discussion of financing AUPSOs since mid-2022. Following a debate on peace and security in Africa during the Chinese presidency in August 2022, the Council adopted a presidential statement. Among other things, the presidential statement requested the Secretary-General to provide the Security Council, by 30 April 2023, a report on progress made by the UN and the AU to fulfill the commitments set out in resolution 2320 of 18 November 2016 on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, and resolution 2378 of 20 September 2017 on peacekeeping reform.  

The Council asked that the Secretary-General’s April 2023 report include “recommendations on moving forward that reflect good practices and lessons learned with the view to secure predictable, sustainable and flexible resources”.  It is likely to stimulate further discussion and can be expected to encourage the A3 to resume negotiating a substantive Council outcome on the financing issue later in 2023.   

In this research report, Security Council Report offers insights into how the Council has dealt with the financing issue by examining past Council meetings and outcomes. It will also reflect on recent efforts to revive the discussion in the Council—in a changed geopolitical context to that of 2018—examine the prospects for progress in this regard and analyse potential Council dynamics on the financing issue in 2023 before offering some concluding observations.  

View original: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/research-reports/the-financing-of-au-peace-support-operations-prospects-for-progress-in-the-security-council.php

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WFP: 20,000 people have crossed from Sudan into Chad. Thousands more expected in coming weeks

🆘So far, up to 20,000 people have crossed the border from #Sudan into #Chad. Thousands more are expected in the coming weeks. Funds are urgently needed.https://t.co/Z7npRoUM07 pic.twitter.com/ldFJEGB2df

— World Food Programme (@WFP) April 28, 2023

In virtual meeting with UN aid chiefs & partners, Kenya's president rallies urgent support for Sudan

Thank you, @WilliamsRuto, for your leadership and support for urgent humanitarian action in #Sudan.

We need a strong plan moving forward to prevent the situation from further spiraling. https://t.co/ZAINbsobQn

— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) May 1, 2023

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed was among UN officials and other leaders who held a meeting with President William Ruto on Monday, May 1, to find a way forward for the Sudan crisis.

A statement from State House noted the high-level meeting, which was chaired by Ruto, was held both virtually and physically.

Ruto gave a report on the progress of conflict resolution in Sudan noting that the warring sides had declined the call of the international communities and leadership to cease fire. He added that the people of Sudan were in need of humanitarian aid noting that they did not have enough supply of food and water.

Further, he stated that the number of people displaced by the war continued to increase at an alarming rate forcing many of them to flee to other countries.

“The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels. The protagonists have declined to heed the calls by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the international community to cease fire.

“Consequently, water, food and medicines are in short supply. Internally, the number of displaced people keeps rising as many more flee to neighbouring countries,” Ruto stated.

Full story here from Kenyans.co.ke:
UN Bosses, Other Leaders Fly to Kenya to Help Ruto Solve Sudan Crisis, Monday 1 May 2023
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/88801-un-bosses-other-leaders-fly-kenya-help-ruto-solve-sudan-crisis

IMAGE: A collage image of President William Ruto meeting with other leaders to discuss the war in Sudan on Monday May 1 2023. PCS

EU supports AU call for civilian-led transitional authority in Sudan in cooperation with IGAD Chair

• The European Union (EU) supports the leadership role of the African Union (AU) and the mediation efforts led by the AU envoy to help to move the political transition process forward in Sudan, in cooperation with Ethiopia, IGAD* Chair.
• The EU commends the decision of the AU’s Peace and Security Council to suspend Sudan from participation in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transition authority, including the announcement that AU punitive measures would be applied if transition to such an authority is obstructed.
• A civilian-led transitional authority is the only partner with which EU Sudan relations can be normalised. 
• Full story here below in an EU Press Release dated June 17, 2019. (Note from Sudan Watch Editor: Yellow highlighting is mine)
• 68th Extra-Ordinary Session of #IGAD Council of Ministers in #AddisAbaba 19 June 2019 to discuss situation in #Sudan and status of peace process in #SouthSudan. Details to follow at a later date.
• *The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was created in 1996 to succeed the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development that was founded in 1986 to deal with issues related to drought and desertification in the Horn Africa. 
  
  For more information on IGAD click here: https://igad.int/about-us/what-we-do

European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council statement

Press Release - June 17, 2019

The EU firmly condemns the violent attacks in Sudan on 3 June 2019, which resulted in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters, as well as sexual and gender-based violence

KHARTOUM, Sudan, June 17, 2019 - The Council today discussed the situation in Sudan and adopted the following statement:

Over the past six months the people of Sudan, with the strong participation of women and youth, have clearly and bravely demanded a new path for their country, one of democracy, political plurality, security and prosperity. This represents a historic opportunity for Sudan. A peaceful, united, democratic and prosperous Sudan remains crucial, including for the peace and stability of the region, and is a priority for the European Union.

The EU firmly condemns the violent attacks in Sudan on 3 June 2019, which resulted in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. It is clear that the responsibility lies with the Transitional Military Council (TMC) as the authority in charge of protecting the population. All human rights violations and abuses committed must be investigated in an independent and transparent manner, and perpetrators held accountable for their acts.

The EU calls for an immediate cessation of all violence against the Sudanese people, including extrajudicial, arbitrary and summary killings, beatings and sexual and gender-based violence, arrests and disappearances. It is the duty of the TMC to ensure the safety of all in Sudan. Members of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) and other civilians that have been arrested and detained during recent events must be immediately released. Restrictions placed on freedom of assembly, freedom of the media, civic space and access to the internet must also be lifted.

The EU remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, and remains committed to help addressing the needs of the population. Obstacles to the timely delivery of the humanitarian assistance need to be removed immediately, including in Khartoum. Staff and supplies need to be brought in urgently to provide humanitarian assistance to more than 8 million people in need. Attacks against hospitals, medical staff and patients must stop. Respect of international humanitarian law and protection of civilians must be ensured, including safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

The EU supports the call of the African Union (AU) for the establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority. To that end, the EU calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations between the TMC and the FFC, based on agreements reached so far. The EU also calls on the TMC to implement the required confidence-building measures, on the FFC to respond accordingly, and on both parties to refrain from unilateral moves.

The EU supports the leadership role of the AU and the mediation efforts led by the AU envoy to help to move the political transition process forward, in cooperation with Ethiopia, IGAD Chair. The EU commends the role of Ethiopia in facilitating the resumption of the talks. The EU also commends the decision of the AU’s Peace and Security Council to suspend Sudan from participation in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transition authority, including the announcement that AU punitive measures would be applied if transition to such an authority is obstructed. The EU further calls on other regional and international actors to play a constructive and coordinated role in support of the leadership of the AU on this basis and stands ready to work with international partners in that regard.

The aspirations of the Sudanese people can only be met through an orderly, peaceful, inclusive and civilian-led transition that establishes the conditions for the return to constitutional order and democratic rule through transparent and credible elections, and full respect of human rights. The EU seizes this opportunity to recall the obligation of Sudan to cooperate with the International Criminal Court pursuant to the UNSC Resolution 1593.

A civilian-led transitional authority is the only partner with which EU-Sudan relations can be normalised. When Sudan embarks on a transition to civilian rule, the EU looks forward to supporting the country in tackling the social, economic and political challenges and implementing the necessary reforms, and will provide assistance accordingly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Sudan.

SOURCE: Delegation of the European Union to Sudan

https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/sudan-foreign-affairs-council-statement?lang=en

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Communique of the 68th Extra-ordinary Session of the #IGAD Council of Ministers held of 19 June 2019

HAPPENING TODAY - 68th Extra-Ordinary Session of the #IGAD Council of Ministers in #AddisAbaba to discuss Situation in #Sudan and status of the peace process in #SouthSudan. Details to follow. @igadsecretariat @nuurist @ItsBrazille

— IGAD Peace and Security (@IGADPeace) 19 June 2019

Communique of the 68th Extra-ordinary Session of the #IGAD Council of Ministers that was convened yesterday in #AddisAbaba to discuss #Sudan & #SouthSudan Download it on https://t.co/oXrckR7lWV pic.twitter.com/GfHHjWPzHj

— IGAD Peace and Security (@IGADPeace) 20 June 2019

To download a copy of IGAD communique click here: https://www.igad.int/communique/2155-communique-of-the-68th-session-of-the-igad-council-of-ministers-on-sudan-and-south-sudan

US, Norway, UK Joint Statement on Sudan Crisis. Statement of AUC & IGAD meeting June 08, 2019

Press Release - June 05, 2019

US, Norway, UK Joint Statement on Developments in Sudan

The text of the following statement was issued jointly by the Governments of the United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, June 5, 2019/ -- The Troika condemns the violent attacks in Sudan on June 3, which resulted in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters. By ordering these attacks, the Transitional Military Council has put the transition process and peace in Sudan in jeopardy. We call for an agreed transfer of power to a civilian-led government as demanded by the people of Sudan. We welcome the statement of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and support the important role of the AU in solving the crisis in Sudan, including its demand for an immediate handover to a civilian-led government.

The Troika also expresses its serious concern over the TMC’s announcement that it will cease negotiations with the Forces for Freedom and Change, retract all previous agreements with them on formation of an interim government, and will hold elections within nine months. The people of Sudan deserve an orderly transition, led by civilians, that can establish the conditions for free and fair elections, rather than have rushed elections imposed by the TMC’s security forces.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Regional Media Hub.

SOURCE: Africa Regional Media Hub

https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/joint-statement-on-developments-in-sudan9875?lang=en

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Statement of AUC Chairperson on the situation in Sudan

June 03, 2019

03 June 2019, Addis Abeba: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki strongly condemns the violence that erupted today which led to reported deaths and several civilian injuries. In this regard, he calls for an immediate and transparent investigation in order to hold those all responsible accountable. The Chairperson calls on the Transitional Military Council to protect the civilians from further harm. 

The Chairperson wishes to recall the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) Communique of 30 April 2019 on Sudan, which demanded all Sudanese stakeholders to return to the negotiations urgently in order to arrive at an inclusive accord, which paves the way for a civilian- led Transitional Authority. 

Furthermore, the Chairperson calls on all international partners to reinforce common efforts towards the immediate cessation of the violence and rapid resumption of negotiations for a political settlement. 

Given the tense situation in the country, the Chairperson calls on all concerned to exercise outmost restraint and to respect the rights of citizens, in the interest of the country and its people.

  

The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s determination to continue to engage and accompany the Sudanese people to support the consolidation of a political agreement in line with the relevant AU Peace and Security Council decisions.

Ebba Kalondo

Spokesperson to the Chairperson
African Union Commission

Addis Abeba 

Mobile: +251911510512
Twitter: 

@EbbaKalondo

https://twitter.com/EbbaKalondo
@AUC_MoussaFaki

https://twitter.com/AUC_MoussaFaki

SOURCE: 

https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20190603/statement-chairperson-situation-sudan

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African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) Communique of 30 April 2019 on Sudan

To read AU PSC Communique PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXLVI) adopted by the Peace and Security Council at its 846th meeting held in Tunis, Tunisia on 30 April 2019, on the situation in The Sudan, click here:

http://www.peaceau.org/uploads/psc-com-sudan-30-april-2019-eng.pdf

Excerpt:

10. Reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of The Sudan; and further reaffirms its support to the democratic transformation in The Sudan, in line with the communique of its 207th meeting held, at the level of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on 29 October 2009; in this context, underlines the need for external actors to refrain from any action or initiatives that could further complicate the situation in The Sudan; and calls on all AU partners and the international community at large, to support AU ongoing efforts in The Sudan, bearing in mind the longstanding multifaceted challenges facing the country, including the urgent need to address the financial and economic problems; 

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Statement of AUC Chairperson on Sudan following visit by IGAD Chair June 08, 2019

I welcome the visit to Sudan by current IGAD Chair @PMEthiopia + the constructive meetings he held with the parties. IGAD and the AU will continue to work together to support the Sudanese people find a consensual agreement to the crisis. My full statementhttps://t.co/xs98fn2MSe

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) 8 June 2019

Excerpts from the full statement June 08, 2019:

The Chairperson further wishes to express his deep appreciation for the close collaboration between IGAD and the AU Special Envoy Prof Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt and the Special Representative for Sudan Ambassador Mohamed Belaiche for their joint efforts in bringing parties to urgently resume negotiations.

In this regard, the Chairperson notes with satisfaction that the cooperation between IGAD and the AUC is firmly in line with the AU Peace and Security Council decision of 6 June 2019, and further reinforces the AU-led facilitation process to ensure that Africa continues to speak with one voice in its efforts to support the Sudanese people resolve the crisis in Sudan.

The Chairperson further stresses the need for all foreign actors to refrain from interference, and support the African Union efforts to support a Sudanese-led and and owned process that respects the will and aspirations of the people of Sudan, the region and the Continent.

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The 68th Extraordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers opened in #Addisababa June 19, 2019

The 68th Extraordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers opened in #Addisababa . Foreign Ministers of @igadsecretariat Members Countries discussed the situation in #Sudan & the progress of the implementation of the revitalized process in South Sudan. https://t.co/4RIeMJkYt2 pic.twitter.com/RiCbnvXsyl

— MFA Ethiopia🇪🇹 (@mfaethiopia) 19 June 2019

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Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC)

Photo: H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat

Biography

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, born on 21 June 1960, was elected as the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson on 30 January 2017 and assumed office in March 2017.

A constitutional lawyer by profession, Chairperson Faki has occupied senior governmental positions in a career that has spanned over 30 years and includes tenure as foreign minister and Prime Minister in his native country Chad.

At the continental level and during his tenure as Foreign Minister of Chad, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat chaired the United Nations Security Council for the month of December 2015. He also chaired the Peace and Security Council of the AU in September 2013 and steered the Nairobi Extraordinary Summit on the fight against Terrorism. He also served as chairman of the AU Executive Council.

Chairperson Faki has a formidable global reputation as a peace broker in Africa in a career that has placed a central focus on peace and security issues in Africa.

As Chairperson of the Commission, Chairperson Faki is the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative and Chief Accounting Officer. He is directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his duties.

Term Dates: 

January 30, 2017 to January 30, 2021

Country of Origin: 

Chad

SOURCE: https://au.int/en/cpauc5

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HISTORIC NEWS: African Union suspends Sudan

GOOD news. African-led solutions to African problems. The African Union Peace and Security Council met on Thursday 6 June 2019 to discuss Sudan and decided to suspend Sudan with immediate effect.

Here is a copy of a tweet posted at the Council's Twitter page on 6 June 2019:

The #AU Peace and Security Council has with immediate effect suspended the participation of the Republic of #Sudan in all #AU activities until the effective establishment of a Civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis pic.twitter.com/ioBlnfnxcl

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) 6 June 2019

To view the mostly positive comments at the tweet click here:

https://twitter.com/AU_PSD/status/1136596052088373248

Note from Sudan Watch Ed: The above photo, published at AUPD website could be from the meeting. Note the IGAD Chair, and a woman sitting in the chair for Sudan. Here is the full text of the communique:

The 854th meeting of the Peace and Security Council on the situation in The Sudan Thursday 06 June 2019

Adopted by the Peace and Security Council at its 854th meeting held on 6 June 2019, on the situation in The Sudan,

The Peace and Security Council,

Recalling its communiqués [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXL)], [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXLVI)] and [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXLII)] adopted at its 840th, 846th and 852nd meetings held, respectively, on 15 April 2019, 30 April 2019 and 27 May 2019 on the situation in the Republic of Sudan recalling specifically the provisions of paragraph 5 of the communique of its 846th meeting, in which Council decided to extend the deadline for an additional period of up to sixty (60) days for the military authorities in Sudan to hand over power to a civilian-led Transitional Authority, and paragraph 7 of the same communique that requested the Chairperson of the Commission to report to Council every three weeks and necessary, on the progress made, to enabling Council to assess the situation on the ground in Sudan, bearing in mind that Council shall, at any time deemed appropriate, in view of the prevailing circumstances in the country, take the necessary measures, including imposing of sanctions, in line with article 7(g) of its Protocol;

Noting the statement by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the African Union, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Brima Patrick Kapuwa, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the PSC for the month of June 2019, as well as the briefings  made by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, and Ambassador Smail Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security, pursuant to paragraph 7 of the communiqué of its 846th meeting; also noting the statements made by the Representatives of Sudan and Ethiopia, in its capacity as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD);

Reaffirming the solidarity of the African Union with the Sudanese in their aspirations to constitutional order that will enable them to make progress in its efforts towards the democratic transformation of the country.

Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the Peace and Security Council:

1. Expresses its deep concern over the lack of progress, since its initial meeting following the Coup d’Etat of 11 April 2019 in Sudan, towards the establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority as demanded by Council;

2. Deplores the loss of innocent lives which took place in recent days in Sudan and expresses its condolences to the families of the deceased; Further wishes a speedy recovery to the injured persons;

3. Strongly condemns the violence that led to the loss of lives and injuries among civilians; Requests the Chairperson of the Commission, in close coordination with the relevant stakeholders in Sudan, IGAD and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), within the framework of relevant AU instruments relating to the fight against impunity, to make concrete proposals on the modalities for an investigation into the deadly events which took place from 3 June 2019 in Sudan, and report to Council;

4. Reaffirms the imperative for the military and security forces to ensure the full protection of civilians and respect for human rights and freedoms in Sudan;

5. Strongly condemns and totally rejects any unilateral actions by whomsoever in the process of resolving the current crisis; In this regard, rejects the unilateral actions taken by the Transitional Military Council, notably the suspension of dialogue with other Sudanese stakeholders; In this context, demands that the Transitional Military Council and all other concerned Sudanese stakeholders abide by previously reached agreements on the setting up of a civilian-led Transitional Authority; 

6. Underlines, once more, the primacy of African-led initiatives in the search for a lasting solution to the crisis in Sudan; Reiterates its call to all partners to support AU and IGAD efforts and refrain from any action that could undermine African-led initiatives;

7. Underscores, once more, the fact that the Sudanese stakeholders are the sole authors of their destiny at this critical juncture in the history of their Country; In this context, stresses that there should be no external interference by whomsoever in the process of resolving the current crisis;

8. Demands that all concerned in Sudan exert maximum restraint and refrain from any move that could ignite the already highly volatile situation in Sudan and to give primacy to the supreme interest of the people of Sudan;

9. Further demands the immediate resumption of negotiations, without pre-conditions, between all Sudanese stakeholders towards the establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority, in full compliance with the decisions of this Council;

10. Stresses the imperative, within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture, for the IGAD, based on the principle of subsidiarity and comparative advantage, to scale up its engagement in the resolution of resolution of the Sudanese crisis; Further emphasizes the need for IGAD to mobilize and convene all the Sudanese stakeholders to dialogue, with a view to speedily establish a civilian-led Transitional Authority in Sudan;

11. Requests the Chairperson of the Commission to immediately take the necessary measures to further strengthen the AU Facilitation Team in Sudan and to liaise closely with the IGAD to enhance synergy and coherence in bringing together the Sudanese stakeholders back to dialogue, in order to put in place a civilian-led Transitional Authority;

12. Decides, in line with the relevant AU instruments, in particular the AU Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, to suspend, with immediate effect, the participation of the Republic of Sudan in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from its current crisis;

13. Further decides that, should the Transition Military Council fail to hand-over power to a civilian-led Transitional Authority, Council shall, without any further delay, automatically impose punitive measures on individuals and entities obstructing the establishment of the civilian-led Transitional Authority;

14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

SOURCE

http://www.peaceau.org/en/article/the-854th-meeting-of-the-peace-and-security-council-on-the-situation-in-the-sudan