The African Union (AU) Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan says that it has begun its first mission to South Sudan. The commission is tasked to produce a report within three months to be presented to the AU Peace and Security Council.

In a statement, the African Union said the inquiry panel headed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is undertaking its first mission from 21 April to 1 May.

The mission aims to meet with President Salva Kiir, the speaker and deputy speaker of parliament, the defense minister, army chief of staff, ministers of security, interior, and the commander of the Presidential Guard.

Later the commission will also meet with former Vice President Riek Machar and the opposition group.

The commission will conduct meetings also with the South Sudan Human Rights Commission, parliament human rights committee, South Sudan Committee for National Healing, Peace & Reconciliation, church leaders and civil society.

According to the press statement, “This mission comes as part of AU efforts to end the conflict that broke out in South Sudan in mid-December 2013, and ensure the emergence of an environment of sustainable peace that would enable a sustainable democratic culture to emerge in the country.” 

The AU has also announced that it is seeking to collect and review “all available documentation pertaining to the human rights situation in South Sudan, including UN reports and those gathered by national and international specialists and non-governmental organizations.”

The Commission of Inquiry says it will interview victims, witnesses and sources, gather and review documentary, audio and visual information and other types of information that will aid the inquiry.

It announced today, that it “would like to invite civil society organizations  and other stakeholders to be involved in the process.”

“Appropriate steps have been taken to consider witness and victim protection concerns that may arise during and after the work of the Commission,” added the announcement. 

The e-mail contact of the commission is auciss@africa-union.org.    

Related:

AU inquiry panel to meet victims of South Sudan violence (3 April)

AU inquiry panel holds first meeting on South Sudan (14 March)

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