Assembly/AU/Dec.629(XXVIII) Page 3 early convening of the Libya National Reconciliation Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; 6. REITERATES its support for the full implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali issuing from Algiers Process and URGES the Malian parties to redouble efforts to expedite its implementation. The Assembly STRONGLY CONDEMNS the deadly ignominious terrorist attack in Gao, Mali, on 18 January 2017, that constitute an attempt by terrorist groups to derail the ongoing political process under the Agreement. The Assembly REAFFIRMS the importance of the Nouakchott Process within the framework of the AU Sahel Strategy and ENCOURAGES the countries of the Process, with the support of the Commission, to ensure the regular conduct of its activities, including the expeditious convening of the ministerial meeting to consider the findings of the Assessment Mission to Northern Mali that took place in July/August 2016.In this regard, the Assembly WELCOMES the initiative taken by the countries of the G5-Sahel Group to put in place a joint force with a view to more effectively fight against terrorism in the Sahel region, and more specifically, the decision taken by the three countries of the LiptakoGourma (Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger) to create a Multinational Force to secure the Liptako-Gourma (FMS/LG). The Assembly CALLS ON the multilateral and bilateral partners, in particular the United Nations and the European Union, to provide all the necessary support to these initiatives that are undertaken within the Framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture; 7. COMMENDS the tremendous progress made in the fight against the terrorist group Boko Haram. The Assembly EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION to the countries of the Commission of the Lake Chad Basin and Benin for their tremendous efforts, in the Framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which contributed to reducing significantly the capacity of Boko Haram, as evidenced by the massive surrender of its combatants. The Assembly WELCOMES the gains achieved by the MNJTF, which could serve as reference model for Member States in their common efforts to fight against terrorism and other security threats to peace, security and stability; 8. URGES the Government of Sudan to deploy additional efforts to ensure inclusivity in the next steps following the National Dialogue process, and FURTHER STRONGLY CALLS UPON the armed movements and the opposition political parties to take part in this national process aimed at bringing lasting peace to the country. The Assembly TAKES NOTE WITH APPRECIATION of the partial lifting of sanctions in Sudan, by the United States (US) Government and furthermore, APPEALS tothe US Government to lift all remaining sanctions on Sudan, which continue to negatively affect the economy of the country. The Assembly COMMENDS the ongoing engagement between the Government of Sudan, the AU and the UN to have a well-planned exit strategy of the African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) that will ensure continued security for civilians in Darfur; 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 30 - 31 January 2017, Addis Ababa