Pretoria – South Africa says it stands ready to help the Libyan people by sharing experiences on democratic transition and reconciliation.
Pretoria has expressed deep concern over the prevailing political and security situation in Libya, which has gravely affected peace and security in the Sahel region.
South Africa’s concerns were raised on Wednesday when President Jacob Zuma met a delegation from the National Salvation Government of Libya, led by its Prime Minister Khalifa Ghwill.
The meeting took place following a request from Ghwill to brief President Zuma on the latest developments in Libya. This is against the backdrop of the signature of the agreement to establish a government of national accord, negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations.
In a statement after the meeting, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said Ghwill requested President Zuma to engage the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit, with the objective of getting the AU to play a leading role in the resolution of the Libyan crisis.
President Zuma has noted with satisfaction the recent positive developments regarding the agreement to establish a government of national accord in Libya.
“In this regard, President Zuma urged the Libyan people and its leaders to set aside their differences and unite to put the country on a path of peace, unity and prosperity,” read the statement.
Libya has been suffering a security vacuum since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country has been plagued by extremist groups loyal to the IS, which were emboldened by political divisions and lawlessness there.
The political crisis also saw the country have two rival parliaments and governments amid escalating violence and growing militant extremism.
