PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXXV) Page 1 PRESS STATEMENT The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 435th meeting held on 9 May 2014, was briefed on the evolution of the situation in Darfur by the Commissioner for Peace and Security and the Joint Special Representative for the AU-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and Joint Chief Mediator (JCM). Council also listened to statements made by the representative of the Government of Sudan, as well as by those of the European Union (EU) and the following members of the UN Security Council: Nigeria, Rwanda, France, United Kingdom and United States of America. Council recalled its earlier press statements and communiqués on the situation in Darfur. Council noted with concern the upsurge of violence in Darfur over the last three months, including clashes between Government troops and armed movements and intra-tribal fighting, as well as at the serious humanitarian consequences resulting therefrom, notably significant displacement of civilian population. Council reiterated the imperative of bringing the fighting in Darfur to an end, and the need for the armed belligerents to take the required actions to this end and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Council reiterated its call for the non-signatory armed movements to engage in direct negotiations with the Government of Sudan for the cessation of hostilities. Council reiterated its support for the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), and called for renewed efforts towards its implementation. Council urged the holdout groups to join the DDPD, and expressed full support for the continued efforts of the JCM. Council appealed to member states and international partners to provide the much-needed resources to this end. In this respect, Council commended Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, for his contribution to the peace efforts, in particular the initiative he took to convene a forum for reconciliation in Darfur in Amdjaras, Chad, from 26 to 30 March 2014, to encourage the holdout groups to join the peace process. Council recalled its earlier pronouncements on the need for a holistic approach to the challenges facing Sudan. In this respect, Council reiterated AU’s support to the national dialogue initiative launched by President Omar Hassan Al Bashir. Council urged the Darfuri armed movements to participate in the national dialogue and urged the Government to spare no efforts in facilitating such participation. Council welcomed the joint efforts of the JCM and the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), to facilitate such an inclusive process, and encouraged them, within their respective mandates, to continue coordinating their efforts, to ensure effective synergy. Council agreed to continue regularly reviewing the situation in Darfur.