ADDIS ABABA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the African Union (AU) is in Sudan to assess the security trends in peacekeeping mission and the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country.
An AU statement on Sunday said that the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) on Saturday started its five-day visit to Khartoum and Darfur, Sudan for the assessment.
The council will assess the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in light of the ongoing review of the mission aimed ensuring a smooth and seamless exit of the UNAMID.
The PSC will urge all Sudanese parties to commit to the full realization of peace and stability in Darfur following the resolution of the conflict which lasted for almost 15 years, said the statement.
The statement said that the PSC visit is taking place at a time when the security situation is reported to have sustainably improved in Darfur, thus necessitating a gradual withdrawal of the UNAMID.
"The AUPSC therefore deems it imperative to gather first-hand information on the current status of the situation prior to making decisions on the future of the UNAMID, while guaranteeing the protection of civilians in Darfur," said the statement.?