The UN Security Council has imposed a no-fly zone over Libya, and has authorized “all necessary measures” to protect civilians. The Arab league, United States, France, and some European nations have been hard at work, putting together contingency plans to intervene if Gaddafi continues to massacre his own people.
Missing in action is the African Union and African governments (with the exception of South Africa’s Jacob Zuma who condemned Gaddafi). I understand that Gaddafi supported, morally and materially, many African nations during their fights for independence, but the AU’s inaction towards a man who has “no mercy” for his own citizens is beyond my understanding.
Instead of the AU, as the mother body, taking a lead role to mediate and curving out a sustainable solution to Libya’s crises, what do we get? “The Council reaffirmed its respect for Libya’s territory and therefore rejects any form of foreign military intervention as the situation requires urgent African action.” To facilitate the immediate humanitarian crisis and assistance to African migrant workers,” reads the African Union Peace and Security (PSC) last Friday communique:
Had the AU and African governments been clear and forthright with Gaddafi, I honestly think that he, knowing that he has not friends left, would have not escalated the situation to the level where it is today. What enabled him remain stubborn is the comfort that his African compatriots would oppose and reject any position taken by Western governments.
PS: The Associated Press is reporting that the African Union’s panel on Libya Sunday called for an “immediate stop” to all attacks on Libya. The United States, France and Britain launched military action against Moamer Kadhafi’s forces in a United Nations-endorsed intervention to force Gaddafi’s to end attacks on civilians who are protesting against his regime.
