Assembly/AU/Decl.1(XXI) Page 1 DECLARATION ON THE REPORT OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL ON ITS ACTIVITIES AND THE STATE OF PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA Doc. Assembly/AU/5(XXI) The Assembly, Having reviewed the state of peace and security on the continent and the steps we need to take to hasten the attainment of our common objective of a conflict-free Africa, on the basis of the report of the Peace and Security Council on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa; Welcoming the significant progress made in the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the adoption of a number of instruments on democracy, human rights and good governance, which represent a consolidated framework of norms and principles towards the structural prevention of conflicts, the advances in conflict resolution and peace building on the continent, as well as the partnerships built with relevant international stakeholders; Noting, however, the challenges that continue to be encountered in the full operationalization of the APSA, including key components such as the African Standby Force (ASF), continued prevalence of conflict, insecurity and instability in some parts of the continent, with its attendant humanitarian consequences and socio-economic impact, as well as the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of Government, the frequent recourse to armed rebellion to further political claims, the threats posed by terrorism, hostage taking and the attendant payment of ransoms, illicit proliferation of arms, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, piracy, and illicit exploitation of natural resources to fuel conflicts; Noting also the need for increased funding from within the continent to assert Africa‟s ownership and leadership, as well as the challenges faced in building innovative and flexible partnership with the United Nations and other stakeholders; Stressing that the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU offers a unique opportunity to review progress made and challenges encountered, as well as to chart the way forward, and reiterating, in this respect, our determination to address decisively the scourge of conflict and violence on our continent, with the view to bequeath to the next generation of Africans a prosperous continent at peace with itself: 1. RECOMMIT OURSELVES to accelerate the full operationalization of the APSA, including refinement, where necessary, of existing provisions to facilitate their implementation. WE CALL FOR the strengthening of the relations between the AU and the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), notably through the effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the PSC Protocol and the Memorandum of Understanding between the AU and the RECs/RMs, bearing in mind AU‟s primary responsibility in the maintenance of peace and security in Africa. WE ENDORSE the establishment of the Pan-Wise network comprising the