South Africa sticks to AU roadmap for Libya

South Africa’s government remains committed to the African Union “roadmap” proposed in July to resolve the crisis in Libya, the cabinet said in a statement Thursday.

“Cabinet reconfirmed its commitment to the AU roadmap as the best option to resolve the conflict in Libya. Furthermore, cabinet is of the firm view that the roadmap should lead to an inclusive interim government,” the statement said.

“South Africa will work within the SADC (Southern African Development Community) structures and other multilateral formations to eventually culminate into an urgent high level AU meeting,” it added.

South Africa has not recognised the National Transitional Council, which now controls most of Libya’s territory.

The AU has sought in vain to mediate between Libya’s former leader, ousted strongman Moamer Kadhafi, and the rebels who have rejected the continental bloc’s roadmap.

Many AU members were allied to Kadhafi’s regime, and some were angered by NATO’s involvement in his overthrow, believing African problems should have African solutions.