AU-RECs/RMs.Decl Page 3 Framework and the implementation of the directives contained therein, including dispatching joint assessment missions to evaluate the needs of countries emerging from conflicts and the implementation of coordinated activities to support post-conflict reconstruction, including rapid recovery of the countries concerned, advocacy for debt cancellation, reform of the security sector and the consolidation of state institutions. Despite this progress, our continent unfortunately continues to face the scourge of conflicts and instability. In many regions, violence is still prevalent, affecting primarily civilian populations and undermining efforts towards socio-economic development and the promotion of the rule of law and good governance. We are determined to intensify and better coordinate our efforts towards contributing to the rapid resolution of existing conflicts and strengthening our action in the area of prevention. In this respect, we stress the need to fully apply the principle of nonindifference enshrined in the AU Constitutive Act and the relevant instruments of Regional Mechanisms. It is incumbent upon Member States, in conformity with the PSC Protocol and relevant regional instruments, to lend their full and unconditional support to conflict prevention and resolution efforts undertaken at continental and regional levels. More specifically, member States should, in conformity with the commitments they have made, provide the AU and the Regional Mechanisms with the necessary political and other support, including facilitating the effective exercise by these organizations of their responsibilities regarding the promotion of peace and security. Similarly, we reaffirm the determination of our respective organizations to spare no effort to tackle terrorism, in conformity with the relevant AU instruments. We commend the action of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism and intend to take full advantage of the opportunities it provides. We are deeply concerned by the magnitude of drug trafficking and organized transnational crime, as well as by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which contribute to the weakening of the State structures and perpetuation of insecurity. Electoral Tensions and Disputes Our Retreat noted, with concern, the emergence of new challenges linked to the tension which frequently characterizes electoral processes in Africa. This situation has not only the potential of endangering stability, but also that of undermining the democratic processes initiated in the continent in accordance with relevant OAU/AU instruments. Accordingly, we acknowledge that there is an urgent need to initiate a collective reflection on these developments in order to agree on a common strategy aimed at avoiding election-related disputes and violence, and preventing the election period in Africa from becoming synonymous with tension. There is a need, inter alia, to: - improve monitoring of political developments in the countries concerned during the pre-election phase, including through early warning systems;