PSC/PR/COMM.1(DXXIX) Page 1 COMMUNIQUÉ The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 529th meeting held on 31 July 2015, adopted the following decision on the situation in Darfur: Council, 1. Takes note of the briefing by the Acting Joint Special Representative for the African UnionUnited Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) on the situation in Darfur and the activities of UNAMID. Council further takes note of the statements made by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sudan; 2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in Darfur, in particular, press statement PSC/PR/BR.(CDXCIV) adopted at its 494th meeting held on 26 March 2015, communiqués PSC/PR/COMM.(DXVI) and PSC/PR/COMM.(CDLVI), PSC/AHG/ COMM/1.(CCCLIII), adopted at its 516th, 456th and 353rd, meetings held on 22 June 2015, 12 September 2014 and 25 January 2013, respectively; 3. Reiterates its full support to the efforts of the African Union High level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) in the coordination of the various mediation tracks in Sudan and commends its members, namely former Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Pierre Buyoya, as well as the Support Team, for their persistent engagement with, and support to, the efforts of the Government and people of Sudan. Council urges the Sudanese stakeholders to extend full cooperation to the AUHIP; 4. Expresses concern over the continued armed conflict in Darfur, which constitute threat to peace, not only in Sudan, but to the neighbouring countries, and stresses the need for the parties to demonstrate renewed commitment towards, in order to facilitate the political process; 5. Reiterates its appreciation to the UNAMID leadership, in particular the Acting Joint Special Representative, the Force Commander and the Police Commissioner, as well as to the Mission’s personnel for their dedication and contribution to the promotion of peace, security, stability and reconciliation in the Darfur. Council notes with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of UNAMID’s mandate, particularly with respect to the protection of civilians and welcomes the extension of the mandate of UNAMID until 30 June 2016, as set out in the communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(DXVI) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2228 (2015); 6. Condemns the continuing intermittent fighting between the Government of Sudan and the Darfur armed movements, in particular in Central Darfur resulting in continued displacement of civilian population. Expresses concern at the prevailing humanitarian situation in Darfur, including the significant increase in the number of internally displaced persons. Council requests all parties in Darfur to facilitate the work of the humanitarian agencies to ensure their security and guarantee unimpeded access to the populations in need. Council appeals for renewed international efforts to mobilise additional resources and capacities to meet the humanitarian needs on the ground;