/ 23 February 2011

ANC condemns violence against Libyan citizens

Anc Condemns Violence Against Libyan Citizens

The African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday “strongly condemned” the violence against citizens in Libya and called for a “political solution” to that country’s woes.

“The ANC appeals, primarily to the Libyan government, to end the bloodshed and engage protesting citizens to understand and address their concerns,” said ANC international relations head Ebrahim Ebrahim in a statement.

“We call on the government and the people of Libya to rather seek a political solution in accordance to the will of the people, something that will bring stability to the country, the region and the continent.”

Ebrahim urged the African Union — of which Libyan president Moammar Gadaffi is a former head — the United Nations and the international community to “constructively engage” with the Libyan government to find a solution to the crisis.

“Stability in our continent is paramount to the success of our political project to consolidate the African agenda.

“The consolidation of this agenda includes, among others, a realisation by African leaders that political power is only legitimate if it is derived from the genuine wishes of those who are supposed to be governed.”

Anti-government protests reportedly raged on in Libya with growing fears of a full scale civil war on Wednesday. Gadaffi remains adamant that his rule would continue. — Sapa