PSC Adopts Decision On Deteriorating Darfur Security Situation

October 13, 2005
Posted to the web October 13, 2005

By Ena
Addis Ababa

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) has adopted decision on the deteriorating security situation in Darfur at its 41st meeting.

According to the communiqué of the 41st meeting of PSC sent to ENA Tuesday, the council has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation throughout Darfur since late August 2005, including the killings, wounding and abduction of the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) personnel.

It also expressed deep concern over the recent trend whereby civilians and IDPs are deliberately targeted and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance impeded as well as the shoot-to-kill policy against the AMIS personnel and others.

The PSC has unreservedly condemned the killing of two members of the Nigerian contingent serving with AMIS in Sector 2, Nyala and two civilian drivers, employees of an AMIS contractor, PAE as well as the abduction of 38 AMIS personnel in Sector 5, Tine and the seizure of their equipment and vehicles.

The council has expressed concern that these incidents, unless brought to an immediate end, could adversely affect the ongoing efforts to bring about a comprehensive peace agreement in Darfur.

The PSC has demanded that all the parties fully respect their commitments under the N'djamena Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement of April 2005 and the related Abuja Protocols on Humanitarian and Security issues, and avoid acts that could undermine the AU efforts in Darfur.

The council has requested the GOs to cooperate fully with AMIS, particularly as it concerns the deployment of equipment necessary to enhance the effectiveness of the Mission.

It also urged all the parties to fully participate in the Joint Commission meeting scheduled to be held in N'djamena on the 13th October 2005.

The PSC has supported to the decision of the Chairperson of the Commission to dispatch a high level military team to Darfur to assess the situation and make recommendations on how to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

The council has decided to bring to the attention of the United Nations Security Council the prevailing situation in Darfur.

Canada also condemns the recent attacks on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) by armed groups in Darfur which have resulted in the deaths and abduction of AMIS personnel and civilian contract staff, the Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia said Tuesday.

According to a statement the embassy sent to ENA, Canada calls on all parties to the conflict to live up to their responsibilities under the cease-fire agreement.

The statement said "Canada remains committed to working with the African Union to assist its efforts to resolve this crisis and to promote an effective and successful peace process."

"Canada's package of assistance is designed to assist the African Union mission in enhancing its operational effectiveness, including through the provision of armoured personnel carriers."

"We call upon the government of Sudan to work with the African Union to move quickly to ensure the entry of all required equipment and material support for AMIS, so that it is best able to carry out its crucial mission in support of the people of Darfur."

Canada continues to work for peace in Darfur. On May 12,2005, in support of international efforts toward peace and stability in Darfur, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced up to 170 million USD for the peace process, for peacebuilding and for increased assistance for AMIS, the statement said.