Assembly/AU/6(XV) Page 20 94. The successful implementation of this decision requires the full commitment of Member States both in ensuring an effective response to situations of unconstitutional changes, through the implementation of decisions taken in this respect by the PSC, as well as taking the required measures to deepen democratization processes and enhance governance. In this respect, the signature and ratification by Member States that have not yet done so of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance will go a long way in furthering democracy and improving governance on the Continent, thus contributing significantly to the structural prevention of conflicts. It is of great concern that, three and half years after its signature, the Charter has only been ratified only by five Member States. 95. On its part, and as requested by the Assembly in its above-mentioned decision, the PSC intends to take the required steps to fully exercise the powers entrusted to it pursuant to the provisions of Article 7(m) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, which stipulates that this body, in collaboration with the Chairperson of the Commission, shall “follow up, within the framework of its conflict prevention responsibilities, the progress towards the promotion of democratic practices, good governance, the rule of law, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the sanctity of human life by Member States”. The appointment, by the Chairperson of the Commission, of an Independent Rapporteur to prepare the report required, for consideration by a meeting to be held at ministerial level is actively considered. (iv) Border Issues 96. Since the accession of African countries to independence, borders – which were traced during the colonial period - have been a recurrent source of conflicts and contention on the Continent. Close to half a century after the political liberation of the Continent, the delimitation and demarcation of the borders inherited from colonization continued to face major technical and financial problems. Subject to the results of the current inventory undertaken by the Commission, it is estimated that less than one quarter of African frontiers have been defined. This situation gives rise to “grey zoons” within which the exercise of national sovereignty can face problems. Within these zones, a small disagreement between two communities can quickly degenerate and lead to inter-State tensions. Where these zones are rich in natural resources, their management can be difficult and become a source of disagreements. 97. African leaders were quick to come to terms with this problem, conscious as they are, that the realization of greater unity and solidarity between the African countries and peoples requires that the burden of boundaries that separate them be reduced. It is within this context that Member States adopted a number of political and legal instruments to guide their efforts in the management of boundary issues, including the principle of the respect of frontiers inherited at the time of independence. 98. On 7 June 2007, the very first Conference of African Ministers in charge of border issues was held in Addis Ababa, which adopted the Declaration on the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) and the modalities of its implementation, a declaration which was later endorsed by the Executive Council meeting in June