PSC/AHG/COMM.1(CDLXXXIV) Page 1 COMMUNIQUÉ The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 484th meeting held on 29 January 2015, at the level of Heads of State and Government, adopted the following decision on the situation in South Sudan: Council, 1. Takes note of the statement made by the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, the current Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on the IGAD-led mediation process, as well as by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan on the situation in his country; 2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in South Sudan; 3. Pays tribute to IGAD and its Chairperson, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, and to the other leaders of the region, for their commitment and tireless efforts in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan, as well as to the IGAD Mediation Team. Council also expresses appreciation to the United Nations (UN) and other international partners for their continued support to the ongoing efforts. Council acknowledges the invaluable contribution on the ground of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and underlines the critical importance of its continued presence; 4. Expresses deep concern at the prevailing situation in South Sudan, characterized by sporadic fighting and a catastrophic humanitarian situation. Council notes with utmost disappointment the failure of the South Sudanese parties to meet the 22 November 2014 deadline set by the 28th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, on 6 and 7 November 2014, to complete consultations on outstanding matters and reach a political settlement, to end the tragedy unfolding in their country; 5. Calls, once again, on the parties to recommit to an unconditional end to hostilities as provided for in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, as well as to negotiate in good faith and without preconditions and conclude their consultations on outstanding matters, with particular focus on the establishment and structure of the Transitional Government of National Unity, before the end of the 24th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government taking place in Addis Ababa on 30 and 31 January 2015 ; 6. Reiterates its determination to impose sanctions against all parties that continue to undermine the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and obstruct the political process, and to seek the support of the UN Security Council in this respect, in line with the relevant provisions of the communiqué adopted by the IGAD 28th Extraordinary Summit; 7. Welcomes the steps being taken towards the operationalization of the AU High-Level ad hoc Committee for South Sudan, established by Council at its 474th meeting held on 5 December 2014,