Addis Ababa, 6 December 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is closely following the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan and the efforts of the AU-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). She notes the recent accusations levelled against UNAMID in the discharge of its mandate.

The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that UNAMID is operating in a difficult environment, characterised by sporadic clashes among the armed belligerents, inter-tribal fighting and huge logistical challenges compounded by the large size of the area of operation and the lack of adequate infrastructure. She stresses that, in spite of these challenges, UNAMID is making a tremendous contribution to the search for peace in Darfur. In this respect, she commends the Mission for the steps taken towards the protection of civilians, the facilitation of humanitarian assistance and support to peace-building activities on the ground.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU's full support to UNAMID and her deep appreciation to the Mission's leadership and personnel for their commitment and untiring efforts. She reaffirms the AU's commitment to continue working with the Government of Sudan and other concerned actors to create the best possible conditions for the full implementation of UNAMID mandate, which will lead to its eventual exit from Sudan. She expresses AU's determination to fully play its role in the management of UNAMID, in line with the hybrid nature of the Mission.

The Chairperson of the Commission looks forward to the outcome of the ongoing strategic review assessment mission jointly conducted by the United Nations and the AU. She is confident that the assessment will facilitate efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the support extended to the Sudanese stakeholders in their quest for lasting peace and reconciliation.

The Chairperson of the Commission calls on the UN Security Council and other members of the international community to fully support UNAMID and to avail the resources it needs to complete the implementation of the important tasks entrusted to it. She stresses that UNAMID, which is the first ever hybrid operation between the AU and the United Nations, is a vivid example of the commitment of the two organisations to build an innovative and forward-looking partnership that is responsive to the complex peace and security challenges facing the continent.