African Union or AU Peace and Security Council in its December 5 meeting on South Sudan threatened to take harsh measures including recourse to the United Nations Security Council for further action against South Sudan warring parties hindering political settlement.
In a communiqué, CRN obtained the Council also decided to scale up its support to Intergovernmental Authority on Development or IGAD on its mediation efforts including consultations with leaders of the region towards an urgent establishment of an AU High-Level Ad-hoc Committee of Heads of State and Government.
The communiqu√© added that Ad-hoc committee is expected to comprise of one representative from each of the five regions of the Continent to strengthen Africa’s support to IGAD and assist the South Sudanese parties and stakeholders to achieve durable peace.
The AU Security Council urged all Members States to mobilize necessary political, diplomatic and financial support towards IGAD efforts to bring durable peace to South Sudan.
The Council also appealed to Member States and the international community to provide the required humanitarian support to the internally displaced persons in South Sudan and refugees in neighbouring countries.
The communiqué appreciated South Sudan neighbours for their hospitality and support given to refugees, urging them to continue the exemplary demonstration of African solidarity.