AU inquiry panel holds first meeting on South Sudan
The African Union (AU) Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan held its first meeting on Wednesday, taking care of some practical matters before looking ahead to talks with the South Sudanese opposition and government.
The African Union announced the formation and composition of the Commission of Inquiry a week ago on 7 March. Four out of five appointed members attended the first meeting Wednesday, including the commission chairman, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a press statement, the AU disclosed that the commission on Wednesday adopted its terms of reference and agreed on the support required for the fulfillment of its mandate and on its work programme.
“Speaking on behalf of the Commission of Inquiry, former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed his determination and that of his fellow members to fully discharge their mandate,” the AU stated.
The members have planned to meet with members of the South Sudanese government, opposition, and other stakeholders in coming weeks. They will also consult with the peace mediators from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP).
“The Commission of Inquiry agreed to reconvene on the 1st and 2nd of April in Addis Ababa with a view to visiting South Sudan,” added the statement.
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