African roles in the Libyan conflict of 2011
Alex de Waal, March 2013
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Libya's relationship with sub-Saharan Africa has been complex, troubled and
misunderstood, both during the rule of the late Libyan leader Muammar
Gaddafi and the conflict that culminated in his overthrow and death. The
Libyan conflict of 2011 divided Africa, but nonetheless the African Union
(AU) was able to agree on a political strategy aimed at achieving a
negotiated settlement and power transition.
The AU's peace initiative was launched in March 2011 and, contrary to
widespread perception that the AU sought to prop up Gaddafi, it offered a
credible and balanced option of a negotiated solution. United Nations
Security Council resolution 1973 expressed support for the initiative, but
in the event France, Britain and the United States blocked its chances of
success.
This article draws on evidence and analysis provided by the AU officials
involved. It details the process whereby the AU adopted and implemented its
decisions, and describes the AU's diplomatic engagement with Gaddafi and the
National Transitional Council. The article also draws on information
provided by Sudanese military and intelligence officials, providing an
account, hitherto untold, of how the Sudanese government supported the
Libyan opposition with military supplies, training and intelligence, in
tacit cooperation with NATO countries.
The article concludes with reflections on how the Libyan conflict has had an
impact on the doctrine of the 'responsibility to protect', on the AU, and on
Libya's relations with Africa.
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Received on Mon Apr 01 2013 - 16:26:40 EDT
