Release on AU 8-10September retreat in  Banjul

 

Addis Ababa, 4 September 2012: The Peace and Security Council notes that the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union has been preparing through the Department of Political Affairs a planned Retreat for the month of September 2012 in Banjul, The Gambia in the context of the Commission’s quest to improve the working methods between the different Organs of the Union and enhance their effectiveness in promoting good governance as well as conflict prevention and resolution.

 

 

While undertaking its mission to Banjul, Council is mindful of the concern(s) expressed in the statement made by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in its capacity as the competent AU organ on the issue.  The Council also took note of the letter dated 22 August 2012 and addressed by the Chairperson of the ACHPR to H.E. the President of the Republic of The Gambia.

 

Following appropriate consultations involving its members, as well as, the Commission, Council concluded that  the continuation of the process through the holding of the Retreat in Banjul, The Gambia, as scheduled, on the basis of a PSC decision taken in early August 2012, should serve as an opportunity to further good governance throughout the continent through the full implementation of all the  AU relevant  legal  instruments,  including the  African  Charter on Human and People’s Right and other regional and international human rights’ instruments.

 

The Council is also underlining its continued commitment to preventive diplomacy and the positive value of its field missions and interactions with AU Member States.