August 30, 2011
AU Rejects Charge of Failing to End Libya Conflict
Peter Clottey
Photo: Reuters
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma (L) talks with Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security, during an emergency summit of the AU Peace and Security Council in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, August 26, 2011
The African Union (AU) is rejecting criticism that it has failed to help bring an end to Libya's civil war. Critics say behind the alleged failure are divisions among heads of states and their personal relationships with deposed Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi
AU spokesman El-Ghassim Wane said the continental body has been actively involved in finding a solution to the conflict.
Last week, the African Union's Peace and Security Council met to find solutions.
"The key element of the decision that was taken," said Wane, "is to encourage the Libyan stakeholders to establish a broad-based and inclusive government which, once established, will occupy the seat of Libya at the African Union. Our focus is to promote stability [and] democracy, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to help them achieve their goals."
Failure Charged
Critics say the continental body is sidelined and has remained largely infective in finding solutions to the conflict between Gadhafi loyalists and the rebels.
They contend the AU only called for dialogue at the beginning of the crisis despite the use of violence by Gadhafi loyalists, which critics say undermined the regime's legitimacy.
Critics also said the continental body remained quiet while a UN resolution allowed NATO to use any means necessary to protect civilians, including a no-fly zone against Gadhafi's air force.
Wane rejected the accusations as unfortunate.
"From the onset of the crisis, we condemned the violence directed at the civilian population. We called for respect for human rights and to ensure that the aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy… and human rights are upheld," said Wane. "It was on that basis that the AU established a committee to follow up on the roadmap that was agreed upon."
Full Story
-VOA