The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The Secretary-General commended the Chairperson for her continued engagement and that of the African Union in efforts to find a durable solution to the recurring cycle of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region. He underscored the importance of the role of regional organizations in implementing the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.

On the situation in Mali, the Secretary-General noted that there is consensus that the political process is crucial to solving the crisis in the country.

The Secretary-General and the Chairperson also discussed Sudan and South Sudan. The Secretary-General expressed concern about the lack of progress in the resolution of the remaining outstanding issues between Sudan and South Sudan and the deteriorating security situation in parts of Darfur.

They also discussed continued cooperation between the UN and the AU in support of Somalia, and the forthcoming elections in Kenya.