PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCLIV) Page 1 COMMUNIQUE The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 754th meeting held on 20 February 2018, adopted the following decision on the situation in Darfur and the activities of the AU-United Nations (UN) Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID): Council, 1. Takes note of the statement delivered by Dr. Admore Kambudzi, Ag. Director for Peace and Security Department, on behalf of the Commissioner for Peace and Security, as well as briefing made by Ambassador Jeremiah Kingsley Mamabolo, the Joint Special Representative/ Joint Chief Mediator (JSR/JCM) for UNAMID. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of the Sudan and Ethiopia, in its capacity as Chair of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and African Member in the UN Security Council; 2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in Darfur, including communiqués [PSC/PR/COMM. (DCV)], [PSC/PR/COMM. (DCLXII)], [PSC/PR/COMM.2 (DCXCI)] and [PSC/PR/BR. DCCXXVII] adopted at its 605th, 673rd, 691st and 727th meetings, held on 13 June 2016, 29 March 2017, 12 June 2017 and 27 October 2017, respectively. Council also recalls the recommendations of the Special Report of the UN Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on UNAMID (S/2016/510 of 8 June 2016), as well as UN Security Council resolutions 2296 (2016) of 29 June 2016 and 2363 (2017) of 29 June 2017; 3. Notes with satisfaction that the overall security situation in Darfur remained stable. Council commends the Government of Sudan for extending the unilateral ceasefire as announced on 8 October 2017 and also commends the armed movements for reciprocating the overture through declarations of unilateral ceasefire. Council strongly calls for more commitment towards reaching a permanent ceasefire in order to achieve sustainable peace and security in Darfur; 4. Underscores its growing concern over reports of inter-communal violence that has the potential to hamper progress made so far in reaching stability in Darfur. Council urges the Government of Sudan, with the support of UNAMID and the international community, to focus on projects that could assist in efforts towards curbing this disturbing phenomenon; 5. Reiterates its appreciation to the UNAMID leadership, in particular the Joint Special Representative, as well as the Force Commander and the Police Commissioner and all the personnel of the Mission, for their dedication and contribution to the promotion of peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Darfur. Council commends UNAMID for the successful completion of the First phase of its reconfiguration and notes with appreciation the efforts made in the implementation of UNAMID’s mandate, particularly with respect to the establishment of the Jebel Marra Task Force, in furtherance of protection of vulnerable civilians, and the overall Mission’s reconfiguration. Council expresses appreciation to the Government of Sudan for the cooperation extended towards the successful conduct of the UNAMID reconfiguration process, and for the allocation and handover of land for the establishment of the Temporary Operating Base in Golo; 1