PSC/AHG/COMM/1.(CDXVI) Page 1 COMMUNIQUÉ The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 416th meeting held at the level of Heads of State and Government, on 29 January 2014, adopted the following decision on the situation in the Republic of South Sudan: Council, 1. Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in the Republic of South Sudan [PSC/AHG/3(CDXVI)], as well as of the statements made by the current Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the representative of the Republic of South Sudan; 2. Recalls its earlier communiqués and press statements on the situation in South Sudan, notably communiqué PSC/AHG/COMM.1(CDXI) adopted at its 411th meeting held in Banjul, The Gambia, on 30 December 2013, and press statement PSC/PR/BR.2(CDXIII) adopted at its 413th meeting held on 16 January 2014. Council further recalls resolution 2132 (2013) adopted by the United Nations (UN) Security Council, on 24 December 2013, as well as the press statements on the situation in South Sudan issued by the UN Security Council, on 30 December 2013 and on 23 January 2014, respectively,; 3. Reaffirms the AU’s principled position on the total rejection of unconstitutional changes of Government and of any attempt to seize power by force, in line with the AU Constitutive Act, as well as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; 4. Reiterates AU’s deep concern following the conflict that broke out in South Sudan on 15 December 2013 and the subsequent fighting between the forces of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and forces loyal to former Vice-President Riek Machar, as well as at the resulting dire humanitarian consequences, including the killing of thousands of civilians, mass displacements of populations and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Council also reiterates AU’s concern at the impact that continued conflict in South Sudan could have on regional security and stability; 5. Strongly condemns once again the attacks against innocent civilians, including the targeting of ethnic groups and specific communities, and the other violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, reiterates that all perpetrators of such acts must be held accountable in line with relevant AU’s instruments against impunity and, in this respect, welcomes the steps taken by the Commission to establish a Commission of Inquiry into violations of human rights, with the view to making recommendations on accountability, reconciliation and healing; 6. Reminds the parties to the conflict, namely the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – SPLM/A (in opposition), of their responsibility towards the people of South Sudan and the imperative of placing the interest of their country above narrow political and other considerations;