Assembly/AU/Dec.536(XXIII) Page 5 14. REITERATES its earlier decisions on the need for a regional and holistic approach to the challenges to peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa, in support to IGAD, and REQUESTS the Commission, in line with the relevant PSC communiqué, to expedite its efforts, including consultations with the IGAD Chair, towards the implementation of this approach and the envisaged convening of a regional conference on peace, security, cooperation and development in the Horn of Africa; 15. EXPRESSES SATISFACTION at the progress made in the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of The Congo (DRC) and the Region, and ENCOURAGES the countries of the region, with the support of the international community, to pursue and enhance on-going efforts, especially in the area of socio-economic development. The Assembly NOTES WITH SATISFACTION the measures taken by the DRC and MONUSCO to neutralize the armed groups, but CALLS FOR continued and enhanced efforts, particularly with respect to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The Assembly EXPRESSES SATISFACTION at the expressed commitment of the Burundian authorities to continue to work towards the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in their country, and ENCOURAGES all the stakeholders to work in the same direction and to create the requisite conditions for the successful conduct of the general elections scheduled in 2015; 16. EXPRESSES CONCERN about the persistent insecurity in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the resulting humanitarian and human rights consequences. The Assembly EXPRESSES SATISFACTION at the remarkable work accomplished by the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA), with the support of the Sangaris Operation and EUFOR-RCA, EXPRESSES CONCERN over attempts to undermine MISCA‟s contribution to the stabilization of the situation, and TOTALLY REJECTS such attempts. The Assembly REITERATES ITS DEEP GRATITUDE to the countries contributing troops and police personnel to MISCA and to the leaders of the region, especially President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, current Chairman of ECCAS, as well as to President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, ECCAS Mediator in the CAR crisis, for their commitment. The Assembly URGES the political and other CAR stakeholders to demonstrate the required political will and determination for the promotion of lasting peace and reconciliation in their country, UNDERSCORES the urgent need to disarm the armed militia, WARNS all those seeking to undermine the on-going process and CALLS UPON the United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions against them. The Assembly LOOKS FORWARD to the planned transformation of MISCA into a UN peacekeeping operation and EMPHASIZES the crucial role that the region and AU should continue to play after the re-hatting of MISCA; 17. RENEWS AU SUPPORT for the efforts aimed at consolidating the progress made in the stabilization of Mali, the restoration of State authority over the entire national territory and the consolidation of peace in that country. The Assembly PAYS TRIBUTE to President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania for having