Africa
Gaddafi turns to Arab world after failing to win new term
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi arrives at the AU summit in Addis Ababa. Photos/REUTERS
Posted Monday, February 1 2010 at 19:25
ADDIS ABABA, Monday
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi who failed to win a second term as African Union chairman now eyes a similar post at the League of Arab states.
At a press conference Gaddafi called at midnight, he told reporters he is now preparing to take over chairmanship of the Arab League.
Gaddafi tried to explain his importance in African affairs stating that Libya is going to host three summits to link the African continent with the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.
At the end of this year Libya is scheduled to host the Afro-Arab summit.
The Libyan leader is also to host the Africa-European Union summit.
Another summit is the Afro-Latin summit set for 2011.
But, a European diplomat said: “This is Gaddafi’s attempt to shift the power of the continental organisation to Tripoli.”
An East African Foreign Minister said Gaddafi’s failure to win another term as AU chairman is a relief for the continental body.
“He may continue meddling here and there but I don’t think that would help both Africa and his country’’ he added.
After losing the African Union chairmanship Gaddafi was seen restless and irritated and called an emergency midnight press conference at the summit venue.
Gaddafi blasted African leaders and dubbed the AU as a failed institution.
“I am disappointed and all the African people disappointed because the AU failed to establish institutions to realise the unity of Africa” he said.
“There has been no notable achievement since the establishment of AU. I can’t see real concrete and tangible results.”
“I am a soldier of Africa and I will remain as a soldier at the fore front” he added.
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Submitted by hughwestbrookePosted February 04, 2010 10:12 AM
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Submitted by gumo
motosana, please note that peace is not the absence of war. So to claim that Somali and Zaire were peaceful during the rulership of Bare and Mobutu is absurd.
Posted February 04, 2010 08:42 AM -
Submitted by deekey
gaddafi, really i am shocked ya praise mobutu and call him a peacemaker, and yet his days remain a nightmare to congolese, and by the way, you are not my king, God is my king!!!
Posted February 03, 2010 11:37 PM -
Submitted by americankensom
Gaddafi should first sort the mess in his own country that sees him rule forever without elections before lecturing the rest of us on a United States of Africa. We love your petrodollars but we aren't that blind Mzee!
Posted February 03, 2010 08:49 PM -
Submitted by motdida
HA HA HA HA!, I think, given a chance, he can be the overall king of Africa for the rest of his life..., Its so africaaaan eh, its also happening in ug.... I suggest he should never be given a chance to even address any AU congregation, leave alone extend his term,,, let him do it from Libya and their local media. the report should not leave the borders. let it stay a local affair.
Posted February 03, 2010 06:59 PM
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Well if he lost through a vote he shouldn't complain. He got some education in a little thing called majority rule or democracy, oh wait he's a dictator in his own country. Still i admire him for being in power for so long in such a volatile region.