PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCL) COMMUNIQUÉ The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 750 th meeting held on 6 February 2018, adopted the following decision on the activities of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) for Sudan and South Sudan: Council, 1. Takes note of the comprehensive and valuable briefing by the Chairperson of the AUHIP on the activities of the Panel in fulfillment of its mandate, particularly: its engagements in support to the Sudanese and South Sudanese Parties on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement, 2012; its support for the negotiations to end conflict in Darfur and the Two Areas of Blue Nile and South Kordofan, as well as national political processes to resolve Sudan’s challenges; and on its efforts, working with IGAD, to deepen collective analysis of the challenges facing the Horn of Africa. Council further takes note of the statements made by the Permanent Representatives of Sudan and South Sudan, as well as Ethiopia in its capacity as the Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and African Member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and by Cote d’Ivoire, in its capacity as an African member of the UNSC; 2. Commends the work of the Panel and pays tribute to its members, namely former President Thabo Mbeki of South African; former President Abdulsalami Abubakar of Nigeria; and former President Pierre Buyoya of Burundi, and their support staff for their unwavering commitment and untiring efforts towards achieving peace in Sudan and South Sudan, as well as in the promotion of peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa. Council also commends the Chair of IGAD, Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, for his continued engagement and support to the efforts of the Panel; 3. Welcomes the appointment of the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, as a new member of the AUHIP. Council recognizes the significant experience, knowledge and skills that Mr. Lamamra will bring to the discharge of the Panel's mandate; 4. Expresses its appreciation for the role of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Nicholas Haysom, in support to the AU; the Joint Special Representative, for the United Nations and AU Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Jeremiah Kingsley Mamabolo; and the Special Envoy of IGAD, Lissane Yohannes, for their active support for the work of the Panel. Council also expresses deep appreciation for the generous support and assistance being extended to the AUHIP by the AU's bilateral and multilateral partners; 5. Notes, in relation to Sudan, that there have been several developments that have impacted on the situation in that country, including the completion of the first phase of the Sudanese National Dialogue, albeit without the participation of some opposition groups. Council also notes the lifting of economic sanctions by the United States, following progress by Sudan in its cooperation with the 1