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At the end of the AU civil society pre -summit meeting organized by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), we as civil society and peoples’ representatives from across the continent welcome this opportunity to jointly reflect on the condition of the continent, the issues facing it and the developments since the last Summit, to arrive at a common position from which to communicate substantive recommendations to Heads of State and Government, Permanent Representatives, Peace and Security Council and Foreign Ministers. It is our hope that such forums and spaces, which are indicative of our commitment to a people driven African Union will continue to be encouraged.

Recommendations of Civil Society Organizations on Peace and Security ahead of the 15th African Union Summit
Imperial Royal Hotel, Kampala –July 2010

At the end of the AU civil society pre -summit meeting organized by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), we as civil society and peoples’ representatives from across the continent welcome this opportunity to jointly reflect on the condition of the continent, the issues facing it and the developments since the last Summit, to arrive at a common position from which to communicate substantive recommendations to Heads of State and Government, Permanent Representatives, Peace and Security Council and Foreign Ministers. It is our hope that such forums and spaces, which are indicative of our commitment to a people driven African Union will continue to be encouraged.

In light of the year of Peace and Security in Africa, we commit ourselves to the African Union’s vision of making peace happen on the African continent. In pursuance of this therefore we make the following notations and recommendations;

Recognizing that over the past two decades, our continent has witnessed a number of severe, protracted, intra/interstate as well as cross boarder conflicts with devastating human and economic consequences.

Noting that women and children bear the brunt of both direct and indirect effects of conflicts across the continent.

Acknowledging the challenges in resolving protracted conflicts in most African states such as Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo to mention but a few.

Aware that failure to transform these conflicts poses a great threat to peace and security in neighboring countries and the entire continent.

Noting in particular the commitments made by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union on 31st August 2009 in Tripoli to deal once and for all with the scourge of conflicts and violence on the continent, especially through committing resources towards conflict prevention, peace making and post conflict reconstruction.

Understanding that the important theme of this year’s summit cannot be fully realized in a state of insecurity, anarchy and lawlessness.

On Sudan
That in the next 6 months leading up to the referendum, AU and the broader international community should redouble efforts to ensure that the proposed referendum is devoid of intimidation, is free and fair and meets international standards.
That all South Sudanese be allowed to vote during the referendum irrespective of wherever they are resident.
That the outstanding border and other issues in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement be determined prior to the referendum.
That during and after the referendum, the Sudanese Government, AU and IGAD working in collaboration ensure that the protection of citizens rights as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights is protected regardless of the outcome.
The AU and UN must ensure that UNAMID focuses its efforts on its core mandate of the protection of civilians and securing humanitarian access as robust implementation of the mandate is crucial for provision of humanitarian assistance and protection.

On Somalia
Civil society strongly calls for Member States of the African Union to develop a clear comprehensive road map towards the rebuilding of the Somali State especially the institutions of governance with a role given to all stakeholders.
The Member States of the AU/IGAD/International Community should continue to support political and reconciliation processes between the Transitional Federal Government and opposition groups within the framework of the Djibouti Peace Agreement (DPA) and ensure community involvement in the process.
The AU should call upon member states and the international community to support the implementation of IGAD’s November 2008 Nairobi Declaration to sanction war profiteers, spoilers of peace process through imposition of travel ban, assets and funds freezing on key leaders and their associates and other entities.
AU should call for the removal of the restriction on IGAD frontline states to undertake sea and border blockages to curtail flow of arms and resources to Al-Shabaab.
Member states of the AU well strengthen AMISOM by mobilizing and deploying the ideal 20,000-troop strong force and review the mission’s mandate to that of peace enforcement.

On Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

1. The AU should encourage the government of DRC to fight against impunity for on going and continual violations of human rights as well as strengthening of local justice mechanisms to ensure accountability for crimes committed during the conflict.
2. Call for the protection of civilians and human rights activists through improved security, peace, and justice, which are pillars of stability in Africa.

In General
The AU should Urge and ensure that Member states open up the space and opportunities for CSOs to provide early warning of impending crisis as provided for in the Peace and Security Council Protocol under CEWARN and the Livingstone Formula.
The AU should strongly urge Member states to ratify and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women’s Peace and Security as well as African Charter on Human and Peoples Right and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa.
The AU should ensure that annual PSC-ECOSOCC consultation with the ECOSOCC cluster on Peace and Security as stipulated in the Livingstone Formula commences in 2010 as part of the proclamation of the Year of Peace. Further The Peace and Security Cluster of ECOSOCC should be supported to organise Strategic Conflict and Peace Assessments in each of the sub region with a view to informing policy decisions of the Union.
That the AU should apply relevant sanctions on member states that fail to comply with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance. Specifically, Niger Military Juntas should be made to keep to the transition timeframe and ensure transparent, free and fair elections.
To ally electoral violence AU should ensure that all Member State ratify and implement the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance within the Year of Peace.
Economic Empowerment is crucial in conflict zones and post conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, we urge the AU to take full measures to partner with CSOs and private sector to establish developmental projects and organize training programs to build the capacity of youth and women in conflict zones and establish projects that will cater for the needs of the communities and hence create jobs and achieve economic growth and stability.