AU meets over political crises, conflicts

ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - The African Union's peace and security body met Tuesday to discuss ongoing political crises in Mali and Guinea-Bissau and the escalating conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, urging immediate end to the conflicts.

"It is important... to find fast, equitable, just and durable solutions to the conflict in Guinea-Bissau and in Mali," AU security commissioner Ramtane Lamamra said at the meeting's opening.

There is a need to "restore constitutional order and preserve the territorial integrity of the Republic of Mali," he added.

Mali's president was ousted in a coup last month by the military, which complained the government was not doing enough to quell rebels in the north.

This month, Guinea-Bissau's leaders were also toppled by the military. The AU has suspended Mali and Guinea-Bissau and called for the restoration of democracy.

Lamamra also called for an immediate end to hostilities between Sudan and South Sudan, and the implementation of agreements brokered by the pan-African body.

"We need to see the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan not only put an immediate end to armed hostilities... but also to see these two brothers and neighbours implement all accords that have been put forward by the African Union panel," he said.

The recent clashes between Sudan and South Sudan along the oil-rich disputed border have sparked fears of all-out war between the two nations. It is the worst violence since South Sudan separated from the North in July.

Tuesday's meeting was attended by the AU peace and security members and international observers from Canada, China, the European Union and United States.