PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCLXXVIII) 1 COMMUNIQUE The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 778th meeting held on 11 June 2018, considered the Special Report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the Strategic Review of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) S/2018/530 of 1 June 2018 and the renewal of the UNAMID mandate and adopted the following decision: Council: 1. Takes note of the Joint Special Report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the strategic review of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, which was undertaken to Khartoum and Darfur from 2 to 13 April 2018, as well as of the introductory remarks by Acting Director for Peace and Security, Dr. Admore Kambudzi delivered on behalf of Ambassador Smail Chergui, the Commissioner for Peace and Security, and the presentation provided by the Joint Special Representative (JSR) of UNAMID, Ambassador Jeremiah Kingsley Mamabolo. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of Sudan and Ethiopia, in its capacity as Chair of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and an African Member in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as well as those of the Permanent Members of the UNSC, namely, France, United Kingdom and the United States of America; 2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in Darfur, including communiqués PSC/PR/COMM.(DCV) and PSC/PR/COMM.(DCLXXIII), adopted at its 605th and 673rd meetings, held on 13 June 2016 and 29 March 2017, respectively. Council also recalls the UN Security Council resolutions 2033 (2012) of 12 January 2012, 2296 (2016) of 29 June 20162363 (2017) of – June 2017; 3. Acknowledges the over ten years of UNAMID’s contribution to the Darfur peace process and consequently in protecting the lives of ordinary Darfuris. Moreover, Council reiterates its appreciation to past and present UNAMID leadership, in particular the current JSR, the Force Commander and the Police Commissioner, as well as all the Mission’s personnel, for their continued dedication and contribution to the promotion of peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Darfur. Once again, Council notes with appreciation the efforts made in the implementation of UNAMID’s mandate, particularly with respect to the protection of civilians. In this regard, Council pays tribute to the UNAMID personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for the cause of peace in Darfur; 4. Commends the UNAMID JSR, in support of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), for his continued cooperation and coordination with the Government of the Sudan and the non-signatory movements and encourages them to intensify efforts towards the political resolution of the crisis in Darfur. Council welcomes all efforts that could lead to the resolution of the situation in Darfur and thus commends all the international players who have contributed towards these peace efforts, particularly the Governments of Qatar, Germany and the United States of