Assembly/AU/4(XII) Page 15 63. As underlined in the Protocol, the Union, through the PSC, has primary responsibility for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa. While there is room for the PSC to further improve its functioning and effectiveness, the progress made by this organ since its establishment is quite commendable. However, for this progress to be consolidated and for the PSC to live up to the expectations of the African people, it needs the full cooperation and support of all concerned. In this respect, the crucial role of member States hardly needs to be overemphasized. As provided for in Article 7(2), (3) and (4) of the PSC Protocol, the member States agree: that, in carrying out its duties under the Protocol, the PSC acts on their behalf; to accept and implement the decision of the PSC, in accordance with the Constitutive Act; and to extend full cooperation to, and facilitate action by, the PSC for the prevention, management and resolution of crises and conflicts. 64. Over the last six months, the evolution of the peace and security situation in the continent has been markedly contrasted. While progress was achieved in some of the situations facing the continent, others continued to witness persistent difficulties and stalemate in some issues. Violence has continued to plague some regions, inflicting further suffering on the civilian population, destroying already scarce infrastructure and making ever remote prospects for development and stability in those regions. Needless to stress the need for renewed efforts by all concerned, for, as underlined in the PSC Protocol, “no single factor has contributed more to the socio-economic decline on the continent and the suffering of civilian population than the scourge of conflicts within and between our States”. 65. One of the most worrying developments during the period under review has been the resurgence of the scourge of coup d’Etats. This marks a serious set back in the democratization processes our continent has embarked upon since the early 1990s. In face of this trend, one cannot but underline the particular relevance of existing AU instruments relating to unconstitutional changes of Governments and the need to ensure their full and effective implementation, including the early ratification of the much heralded Charter on Elections, Democracy and Governance.