14. On the basis of the progress report presented by the Department of Political Affairs, the Chairperson of the Group requested its Secretariat to liaise with the said Department to finalize the elaboration of the plan of action on the implementation of its recommendations as contained in the report on Election- related disputes. III. REVIEW OF THE STATE OF PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA 15. On the basis of the extensive briefings provided by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, the Panel reviewed the state of peace and security on the Continent. While welcoming the progress made in some parts of the Continent, the Panel expressed deep concern at the ongoing conflicts and violence facing many regions and countries in Africa. 16. The Panel encouraged the PSC and the Chairperson of the Commission to pursue and intensify their efforts in furtherance of peace, security and stability on the Continent. The Panel recognized the political commitment which has led to the holding of elections in Mauritania, as well as to negotiations between Malagasy stakeholders, which led to the conclusion of the Addis Ababa Additional Act to the Transitional Charter. 17. The Panel, however, expressed concerns on the situation in Somalia and urged the UN Security Council to assume its full responsibility. 18. The Panel further condemned the acts of violence perpetrated in Guinea, and commended the actions taken by the PSC in support of the action taken by ECOWAS, as well as the setting up of an international inquiry commission. IV. WORK PROGRAMME OF THE PANEL FOR 2010 19. The Panel reviewed its work programme for the rest of the year and for 2010. It agreed on the missions that its members would undertake in various parts of the Continent, to further efforts at peace, security and stability. The Panel expressed its full commitment to actively contribute to the attainment of the goals of the “2010: Year of Peace and Security in Africa”. 20. The Panel also agreed to focus its thematic reflection for 2010-2011 on an issue relevant to conflict prevention in Africa and in this case decided to focus on the problem of women and children in armed conflicts. This choice was informed by the empirical evidence accumulated over decades confirming that women and children suffer most wherever and whenever there is a breakdown of social order, rule of law and ascendance of violence. Women are often subjected to gender based violence, often becoming the single heads of households, displaced/ refugees in dehumanizing camps. A clear commitment to the objectives of the UNSC Resolution 1325 (2000) was reiterated in this context. 21. As has been the case for the previous thematic reflections on electionrelated conflicts and impunity, the Panel will commission a report as well as organize a workshop. In this exercise, the Panel shall endeavor to complement and broaden other related AU and international efforts.