The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 657^th meeting held on 9 February was briefed by the Commission on the African Standby Force and its Rapid Deployment Capability (ASF-RDC) and the African Capacity for the Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC).

Council took note of the Progress Report of the Commission to the Peace and Security Council on the African Standby Force and its Rapid Deployment Capability (ASF-RDC) and the African Capacity for the Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC).

Council also took note of the statements made by the Chairs and Representatives of the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), namely the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), North African Regional Capability (NARC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).  

Council agreed to convene, as soon as possible, a meeting with the RECs/RMs, with a view to taking the appropriate decisions on the way forward. In this regard, Council requested the Commission to invite the Chief Executives of the RECs/RMs to present at this meeting detailed reports on the status of the ASF-RDC in their respective regions. Council also requested the Commission to submit a supplementary report on the relationship between the ASF and ACIRC.

Council agreed to remain seized of the matter.