PSC/MIN/COMM.(CDLIX)
Page 1
COMMUNIQUÉ
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 459th meeting, held on 23
September 2014, at Ministerial level, adopted the following decision on the situation in Libya:
Council,
1.
Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in Libya
[PSC/MIN/2.(CDLIX)], as well as of the statement of the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the
Commission for Libya, former Prime Minister of Djibouti, Dileita Mohamed Dileita. Council also
takes note of the statements made by the representatives of Algeria and Egypt as Chairs of the
Committees on Security and Political Issues established by the 3rd ministerial meeting of Libya's
neighbors, held in Hammamet, Tunisia, on 13 and 14 July 2014;
2.
Reaffirms its commitment to the unity, territorial integrity, political independence and
sovereignty of Libya;
3.
Recalls its earlier communiqués and press statements on the situation in Libya, including
press statement PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXXVI) adopted at its 436th meeting held on 23rd May 2014. Council
also recalls paragraph 21 of decision Assembly/AU/Dec.536(XXIII) on the Report of the Peace and
Security Council on its Activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa, adopted by the
Assembly of the Union at its 23th Ordinary Session held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 26 to 27
June 2014;
4.
Reiterates the AU's concern at the situation prevailing in Libya, marked by pervasive
insecurity, the existence of various armed groups occupying different parts of the country, collapse
of State authority, and deep political and social divisions. Council stresses that, if this situation is
not rapidly contained and resolved, it has the potential to undermine irreversibly the unity and
cohesion of the Libyan society and the very existence of the State, with far-reaching consequences
for regional security and stability, especially given the growing threat posed by terrorist and
criminal groups, some of whom have found safe havens in parts of Libya, and the proliferation of
arms. In this regard, Council reiterates its rejection of terrorism in all its manifestations;
5.
Strongly condemns all acts of violence in Libya, including the deliberate targeting of civilians
and civilian institutions, the targeted killing of individuals, including human rights activists and other
civil society actors, and retaliatory acts, as well as the senseless destruction of property and
infrastructure. Council stresses the need to hold accountable those responsible for the perpetration
of acts of violence, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and undermining
the political process. Council fully supports the relevant provisions of resolution 2174(2014)
adopted by the United Nations Security Council, on 27 August 2014, as well as the embargo on arms
and related material of all types, imposed on Libya by resolution 1970(2011) of 26 February 2011;
6.
Commends the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the Commission for the dedication with
which he is fulfilling his mandate, welcomes the consultations he has undertaken to date with the
Libyan stakeholders, neighboring countries and international stakeholders, and encourages him to
pursue and intensify these efforts;