Addis Ababa, 5 September 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the Aagreement reached between the G7+7 High Committee of the National Dialogue and the Paris Declaration Group on their participation in the National Dialogue and Constitutional Process in Sudan. This Agreement followed extensive consultations facilitated by the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) for Sudan and South Sudan and which started in Addis Ababa, on 24 August 2014.

The Chairperson of the Commission notes with satisfaction the constructive exchanges that the Sudanese stakeholders had on a number of issues that are crucial for the future of Sudan, including the peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflicts in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile; arrangement for cessation of hostilities; addressing the humanitarian situation; the protection of rights and freedoms; release of political detainees; and inclusivity in the National Dialogue. She encourages the parties to build on this achievement to create conditions conducive for the successful holding of the National Dialogue

The Chairperson of the Commission commends the Sudanese parties for this important step in the efforts aimed at addressing the numerous challenges facing Sudan. In this respect, she acknowledges positive response received by the leadership from the Paris Declaration Group, which includes the National UMMA Party, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the Sudan Liberation Army-AW (SLA-AW), Sudan Liberation Army -Minni Minawi (SLA-MM), Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), to participate in this very important meeting. She also underscores the important contribution of the representatives of the G7+7, namely Mr. Ahmed Saad Omer and Dr. Ghazi Salahuddin Al Atabani who participated in open discussions with the group.

The Chairperson of the Commission also commends the Chairperson of the AUHIP, former President Thabo Mbeki, and General Abdusalami Abubakar, member of the Panel, as well as the team of experts supporting it, for their continued commitment and support to the Sudanese parties in their quest for lasting peace, security, reconciliation and democracy in their country.