African Union Under Pressure From Imperialists to Recognize Counter-revolutionary Rebels in Libya

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi met with a delegation of African heads-of-state from the AU and agreed to the conditions for a ceasefire in the fighting with the western-backed counter-revolutionary rebels fighting in the east of the North African state., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

August 30, 2011

AU Rejects Charge of Failing to End Libya Conflict

Peter Clottey
Reuters

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.”

He also said the AU will continue to promote reconciliation in Libya and to help the country build institutions that will serve as a foundation for democracy and the rule of law.

Recognizing Rebels

The African Union has yet to officially recognize the Transitional National Council (TNC) as the legitimate Libyan government, despite several member states doing so.

The AU has called for an inclusive transitional government and for a constitutional and legislative framework for the democratic transformation that will lead to elections in Libya.

Wane said the AU is committed to ensuring peace.

“We made very sustained efforts, and we made them based on some fundamental principles,” said Wane. “The first one being of course is the need to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of the people are fulfilled…[and] in a peaceful manner.”

He also acknowledged that events beyond the AU’s control have thwarted the group’s objectives.

“We also made very sustained efforts to find a political solution, because we believe [that] is the best way of ensuring the long term stability of Libya.”