The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 280th meeting held on 20 May 2011, in Addis Ababa, considered the implementation status of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan, in the light of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission [PSC/PR/2 (CCLXXX)], which was introduced by the Commissioner for Peace and Security and a representative of the AU High?Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) on Sudan, Mr. Abdul Mohammed, as well as the statements made by the representatives of the Sudanese Parties and the United Nations.
Council reiterated its appreciation to the people of Sudan, the CPA Parties, in particular President Omar Hassan al Bashir and First Vice?President Salva Kiir Mayardit, for successfully carrying out the self?determination referendum for Southern Sudan, from 9 to 15 January 2011. Council applauded the Government of Sudan for having promptly accepted the choice of the people of Southern Sudan in favour of secession.
Council reiterated its support to the commitment made by the leaders of Sudan and Southern Sudan to work together towards the establishment of two viable states, living side by side, in peace and good neighborliness, and working together to address common challenges. Council looks forward to welcoming the Republic of Southern Sudan, as the newest Member State of the AU, following its independence, on 9 July 2011.
Council further noted that significant progress has been achieved on some of the remaining CPA issues, including the state elections in South Kordofan, the popular consultation in Blue Nile, and the dismantlement of most of the Joint Integrated Units. Council urged the Sudanese Parties to exert further efforts to finalize all other outstanding issues, including with respect to the electoral process in South Kordofan and the process of popular consultations in that State, as well as the issue of the SPLA forces in Blue Nile and South Kordofan States.
Council expressed deep concern over the unresolved impasse in Abyei, as well as over the recent alarming military developments, and stressed the need for the Parties to do their utmost to exercise restraint and to maintain security in the Abyei region, while a political solution is being sought. In this regard, Council strongly encouraged the Sudanese Parties to fully respect and implement the Kadugli and Abyei security agreements, as well as guarantee free movement for the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
Council emphasized its apprehension over the slow progress regarding the finalization of the north/south border demarcation and the resolution of the disputed areas of the border, and reiterated that the Parties should actively engage so as to make the necessary progress in this regard.
Council reiterated its concern over the security situation in Southern Sudan, and urged the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), and the international community, especially the United Nations, to deploy all efforts to ensure that security is restored prior to the independence of Southern Sudan.
Council stressed the need for the current post?referendum negotiations, facilitated by the AUHIP on economic issues, which include oil, to be conducted and resolved on the basis of the principles that the two Parties have agreed upon, calling for the establishment of two viable States.
Council expressed its appreciation of the work being carried out by the AU High?Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP), and underscored the centrality of the role of the Panel in resolving the outstanding CPA issues, as well as in finalizing the post?referendum arrangements. Council further expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the AUHIP and UNMIS, and called for continued support from AU bilateral and multilateral partners to the efforts of the Panel.
