International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoane-Mashabane has called on the African Union Commission to boost its support for Sudan as it prepares for January�s referendum on the future of the southern part of the country.

South Africa�s new special envoy to Sudan Charles Nqakula accompanied Nkoane-Mashabaneto Sudan as did representatives of the eight countries overseeing post conflict reconstruction and development there.

They have decided to send a technical team to Sudan to provide this body with a clear road map ahead of his meeting on the fringes of the African Union summit in January.

Meanwhile, the minister will marshal support for a solidarity conference by the African Union Commission and the African Peace and Security Council.