- The mandate you gave us required us to examine the situation in Darfur and submit recommendations on how best the issues of accountability and combating impunity, on the one hand, and reconciliation and healing, on the other, could be addressed effectively and comprehensively, within the context of the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Darfur, the Chairperson of the AUPD, Thabo Mbeki said.
Mbeki emphasised the vision of unity and reconciliation for the further peace process in Darfur, and the need for a unified, peaceful and just Sudan. Further, Mbeki mentioned the importance of a coordinated international action for peace, justice and reconciliation in Darfur. The whole panel, except previous Burundian president Buyoya, was present at the ceremony.
The report and its recommendations from the AUPD will be considered by the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) at a meeting in Abuja at the end of October. It is the AUPSC who gave the mandate to the AUPD. The recommendations will then be taken to the UN Security Council for further decisions.