Gaddafi turns to Arab world after failing to win new term

“I doubt we will be able to shoulder the responsibilities before us,” he said after handing over to Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika.

“I doubt we can achieve something concrete in the future, because frankly speaking my experience of the African Union, the political elite of our continent lack political awareness and hence the political determination.”

He said if he had known how little power the AU chairman has, he would have refused to take the position.

Mutharika, suggested he agreed with at least some of his predecessor’s criticisms.

“The way forward is for the AU Assembly to recognise that Africa is not a poor continent, but the people of Africa are poor,” he noted. “Let us reflect that Europe and the much of the Western world developed using wood, meat and fish from Africa, but Europe and the Western world did not develop through resolutions, and declarations. They took action - concrete action. So I appeal to you for action, action and more action.”

According to diplomatic sources at the summit, Gaddafi spent a lot of money and energy to stay in the AU position. His ambition was thwarted in a very unpleasant way.

Libya is one of the five countries that contribute 75 per cent of the African Union budget.

Gaddafi named former Somalia President Siad Barre and former Congolese ruler Mobutu Sese Seko as unifying factor and peace maker of their county.

“We need such kind of leaders to avoid conflict and integration” Gaddafi said.

Earlier Gaddafi asked that traditional leaders be allowed to address the summit. The traditional leaders’ representative told African leaders to respect him and his fellow rulers.