The Africa Union (AU) has reiterated its conviction that only a political solution to the current conflict in Libya would make it possible to promote sustainable peace in the country.
This will also fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people to democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and good governance, as well as preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Libya.
In this respect, the Assembly has endorsed the African Union roadmap for the resolution of the crisis in the North African country.
The AU at its summit on May 25 reiterated the need for an immediate end to all attacks against, and abuses of civilians, as well as an immediate ceasefire, as demanded by Security Council resolution 1973 (2011) and the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), to be monitored by a credible, effective and verifiable international mechanism.
The Assembly stressed that the ceasefire should lead to the establishment of a consensual and inclusive transitional period during which the necessary reforms to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people would be carried out, culminating in elections that would enable the Libyans to choose freely their leaders.
Pending the establishment of such a ceasefire, and in view of the dire humanitarian situation on the ground, the AU summit demanded an immediate pause in the fighting and in the NATO–led air campaign.
This will provide respite to the civilian population, alleviate its suffering and make it possible to deliver the much-needed humanitarian assistance to all those in need of it.
“In this respect, the Assembly of Heads of State is of the well-considered view that the continuation of the NATO-led military operation defeats the very purpose for which it was authorised in the first place, the protection of the civilian population, and further complicates any transition to a democratic dispensation in Libya.”
The Summit directed the PSC to diligently consider and authorise the immediate deployment of an AU Observer Mission to closely monitor the situation, provide independent assessment of developments taking place on the ground and facilitate the subsequent establishment of a larger international mission that would involve the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the AU and other organisations.
The Summit called on Member States to provide the personnel, as well as the financial and logistical support required for the early and effective deployment of the envisaged observer mission.
It appealed to the Libyan parties to fully co-operate with this mission, and to the AU partners to contribute to its success.
The AU Summit expressed deep concern at the dangerous precedence being set by one-sided interpretations of UN Security Council resolution 1970 and 1973, in an attempt to provide a legal authority for military and other actions on the ground that are clearly outside the scope of these resolutions, resulting in the negative impact on the efforts aimed at building an international order based on legality.
The Summit requested the African Group in New York and the African members of the United Nations Security Council, to take the initiative for the early convening of a meeting of the Security Council, as well as the General Assembly, in order to assess the implementation of resolutions 1970 and 1973.
It expressed Africa’s surprise and disappointment at the attempts to marginalise the continent in the management of the Libyan conflict.
The Summit welcomed the decision to convene in Cairo, Egypt, on May 30 a meeting that would bring together the AU, the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Countries, the European Union and the United Nations, to work out practical steps for a ceasefire and the launch of a political process that would lead to a lasting solution to the crisis.